i;  1  oli  j]i  1 


WITH  THE 


HYMNS,  EPIGRAMS,  AND  BATTLE  OF  THE  FROG; 

AND  MICE. 


£iterallii  (Jranslateb, 

WITH  EXPLANATORY  NOTES, 


THEODORE  ALOIS  BUCKLEY,  B.A., 

OP  CHRIST  CnUECU. 


iSOSTON  COLLEeE  LIBRARY 
CHESTRUT  HILL,  MASS. 


NEW  YORK: 

HARPER  &  BROTHERS,  PUBLISHERS, 

FRANKLIN  SQUARE. 

1  8  9  5. 


HARPER’S 


SIEW  CLASSICAL  LIBRAKY 


COMPBISINO  LTTEBAL  TRANSLATIONS  OP 


CjESAR. 

VIRGIL. 

SALLUST. 

HORACE. 

TERENCE. 

TACITUS.  i2  Vols. 

LIVY.  2Vcls, 

CICERO’S  ORATIONS. 

CICERO’S  OFFICES,  LAILIUS, 

CATO  MAJOR,  PARADOXES, 
SCIPIO’S  DREAM,  LETTER 
TO  QUINTUS. 

CICERO  ON  ORATORY  AND 
ORATORS. 

PLATO  (SELECT 


CICERO’S  TUSCULAN  DISPUTA¬ 
TIONS,  THE  NATURE  OF  THE 
GODS,  AND  THE  COMMON¬ 
WEALTH. 

JUVENAL. 

XENOPHON. 

HOMER’S  ILIAD. 

HOMER’S  ODYSSEY. 

HERODOTUS. 

DEMOSTHENES.  2  Vols. 
THUCYDIDES. 

.®SCHYLUS. 

SOPHOCLES. 

EURIPIDES.  2  Vole. 

DIALOGUES). 


12mo,  Cloth,  $1  00  per  Volume. 


Published  by  HARPER  &  BROTHERS,  New  York. 

The  above  viorks  are  for  sale  by  all  booksellers,  or  they  will  be  sent  by 
Hakper  &  Brothers  to  any  address  on  receipt  of  price  as  quoted.  If  ordered 
Knt  by  mail,  10  per  cent,  should  be  added  to  the  price  to  cover  cost  of  postage. 


fA 


( 'f’riLL  LIBRARi 
uUSTON  COLlEGE: 


\ 


PREFACE  TO  THE  ODYSSEY. 


The  present  translation  of  the  Odyssej  has  been  exe¬ 
cuted  on  the  same  plan  as  that  of  the  Iliad,  to  which  it 
forms  the  companion-volume.  The  Hymns  and  Minor 
Poems  are  now,  for  the  first  time,  literally  translated, 
completing  all  that  has  been  attributed  to  Homer.  For 
these  the  editions  of  Kuhnken,  Ernesti,  and  Hermann 
have  been  principally  followed. 

Had  the  limits  of  the  volume  permitted,  a  more  crit¬ 
ical  investigation  of  the  various  readings  and  conjectures 
of  scholars  would  have  been  given ;  but  the  editor  trusts 
that  what  has  been  done  will  be  found  sufficient  for  the 
wants  of  the  student. 

The  frequent  quotations  from  the  brilliant  paraphrases 
of  Chapman,  Congreve,  and  Shelley,  can  not,  he  thinks, 
fail  to  prove  interesting  to  the  general  reader. 

For  the  translation  of  the  Pseudo-Herodotean  Life  of 
Homer  the  reader  is  indebted  to  the  industry  of  Kenneth 
Mackenzie,  Esq.  It  is  the  earliest  memoir  of  the  sup¬ 
posed  author  of  the  Iliad  we  possess,  and,  as  such,  mer¬ 
its  translation. 


T.  A.  B. 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER, 

ATTRIBUTED  TO  HERODOTUS. 


Herodotus  of  Halicarnassus,’  in  the  pursuit  of  truth, 
writes  this  history  of  the  birth  and  life  of  Homer. 

T.  When,  many  years  ago,  the  city  of  Cumse  in  H^olia  was 
built,  there  flocked  to  it  many  persons  of  the  various  nations 
of  Greece,  and  among  them  were  some  from  Magnesia.^  One 
of  these  was  Menapolus,  the  son  of  Ithagenes,  the  son  of  Crito. 
This  man,  far  from  possessing  riches,  had  scarcely  the  means 
of  subsistence.  When  settled  in  Cumm,  he  married  the 
daughter  of  Omyretis.  I>y  this  marriage,  he  had  one  child, 
a  girl,  whom  he  called  Critheis.  The  husband  and  wife  both 
died,  leaving  this  child  very  young.  The  father,  before  his 
death,  appointed  Cleanax  of  Argos,  one  of  his  most  intimate 
friends,  her  guardian. 

II.  In  the  course  of  time,  by  a  secret  intrigue,  Critheis 
found  herself  with  child.  This  was  for  some  time  concealed; 
but  Cleanax,  having  discovered  it,  was  much  afflicted  by  the 
occurrence,  and  privately  reproached  her  with  her  fault,  lay¬ 
ing  before  her  the.  dishonor  she  had  brought  upon  herself. 

*  Some  editions  of  the  History  boro,  as  we  find  from  Aristotle  (Rhetoric 
ii.  9,  §  1),  the  following  variation  from  our  usual  superscription  or  preface: 
“This  is  the  exposition  of  the  historical  researches  of  Herodotus  of 
Thurium,"  etc.  It  is  to  he  presumed  that  the  edition  which  Aristotle 
mentioned  was  one  of  those  revised  after  his  retiring  to  that  town  from 
Halicarnassus  (now  called  Budrun).  in  the  fortieth  year  of  his  age,  b.c. 
444.  Thurium  v^as  built  near  the  ruins  of  Sybaris,  in  Lucania,  by  some 
Athenians.  Some  say,  that  the  banished  Thucydides  (afterward  re¬ 
called),  Lysias,  son  of  Cephalus,  tlie  celebrated  orator,  accompanied  IIo' 
rodotus  (Strabo  vi.  ;  Plin.  xii.  4  ;  Mela  ii.  4),  but  this  is  doubtful. 

^  The  present  Mansa. 


VI 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


To  repair  the  evil  as  much  as  possible,  was  now  the  subject 
of  his  thoughts.  The  inhabitants  of  Cumje  were  at  this  time 
building  a  town  in  the  basin  of  the  Ilermaean  Gulf.^  These- 
u9‘  wishing  to  render  the  name  of  his  wife  immortal,  called  it 
Smyrna.  He  was  a  Thessalian,  and  of  one  of  the  most  illus¬ 
trious  families  in  that  country.  Plis  father  was  Eumelus,  son 
of  Admetus,^  from  whom  he  inherited  a  considerable  proper- 

’  Tho  present  gulf  of  Smyrna  ;  the  river  on  ^vhieh  that  place  is  situ¬ 
ated,  then  called  Moles,  now  Sarabat  or  Kedons.  Some  of  the  an¬ 
cients  suppose  that  Homer  composed  his  poems  in  a  cave  near  the 
sources  of  this  river,  and  thence  called  his  compositions  MeletoEce  charter. 
Strabo  xii.  ;  Stat.  ii. ;  Sylv.  vii.  34  ;  Tibull.  iv.  el.  i.  201 ;  Paus.  vii. 
5.  Smyrna  was  built  by  the  Cumoeans,  n.c.  1015.  Eratosthenes. 
Some  say  that  Smyrna  was  the  name  of  an  Amazon :  according  to  our 
author,  it  was  named  after  the  wife  of  Theseus,  of  whom  mention  will 
presently  be  made.  Alyattes  expelled  the  Cimmerians  from  Smyrna. 
Herodotus  i.  26.  Alexander,  or,  as  Strabo  affirms,  Lysimachus,  rebuilt 
the  town,  which  had  remained  ruinous  and  desolate  for  four  hundred 
years,  i.  e.  from  the  time  of  Alyattes.  Marcus  Aurelius  repaired  the 
damage  done  to  it  by  an  earthquake,  n.c.  180.  The  Smyrnacans  had  a 
building,  and  a  brass  coin,  called  Iloinerium.  Strabo  xii.  and  xiv. ;  Ital. 
viii.  565;  Paus.  v.  §  8 ;  Mela  i.  17;  Herod,  i.  55 ;  v.  101;  DAnville’s 
Geographic  abregee,  tom*,  ii.  p.  8. 

*  Tacitus  (iv.  56)  confounds  this  Theseus  with  the  early  mythical  king 
of  Attica.  The  commentators  on  Tacitus  have  passed  over  his  life  in 
silence.  In  the  Anthology  there  is  an  inscription  for  a  statue  of  Peisis- 
tratus,  which  seems  to  attribute  the  building  of  Smyrna  to  the  Athenians. 

®  The  following  is  the  genealogy  of  Theseus,  omitting  the  mystical 
period,  and  commencing  at  the  mythical  age  : 

Iiipctus,  m.  Abiiv  or  Clymene.  (lies.  Thcog.) 

Proinetlicus.  * 

Deucalion,  ni.  Pyrrha.  (u.o.  1503.) 

Ilellen,  m.  Oiseis  (King  of  Plitliiotis,  circ.  c  c.  14C5). 

1 

.^Eolns  (emig.  to  Asia  Minor,  e  o.  1124). 

CretheuB  m.  Tyro.  (Apollod.  i.  7.) 

Phei’es,  m.  Clymene  (built  Pherse  in  Thessah^ 

I 

Admetus,  m.  Alcestis.  (Eurip.  in  Alcestis.) 

I 

Eumelus  (^7ent  to  Troy  with  eleven  ships).  i,\.  yS.  v.  7d4, 

Theseus  (u.o.  1030). 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


Vll 


Cleanax  conducted  Critheis  secretly  to  that  town,  and 
committed  her  to  the  charge  of  Ismenias  of  Bceotia,  a  friend 
of  his,  on  whom  the  lot  had  fallen  to  go  to  that  colony. 

III.  Critheis,  being  near  her  confinement,  resorted  to  a 
festival  held  on  the  bank  of  the  river  Meles,  in  company  with 
other  women  ;  while  there,  the  pains  of  childbirth  came  upon 
her,  and  she  brought  forth  Homer,  who,  far  from  being  blind, 
had  excellent  eyes.  She  named  him  Melesigenes,  having  been 
born  by  the  river  Meles.  Critheis  remained  some  time  with 
Ismenias,  but  afterward  left  him,  supporting  herself  and  son 
by  the  work  of  her  hands, aqd  upon  the  proceeds  of  the  char¬ 
ity  of  her  fellow-citizens,  educating  the  boy  as  she  could. 

IV.  There  lived  at  Smyrna,  at  this  time,  a  man  named 
Phemius,  a  teacher  of  literature  and  music  who  not  being 
married,  engaged  Critheis  to  manage  his  household,  and  spin 
tiie  flax  he  received  as  the  price  of  his  scholastic  labors.  She 
acquitted  herself  of  the  task  so  satisfactorily,  and  conducted 
herself  so  modestly,  that  she  won  his  esteem.  He  proposed 
to  marry  her,  and,  as  an  inducement  to  it,  promised  to  adopt 
her  son,  intimating  that  the  boy,  carefully  educated  and  in¬ 
structed,  would  become  a  clever  man  ;  for  he  perceived  in 
liim  a  thoughtful  and  studious  disposition.  Critheis,  moved 
by  these  solicitations,  consented  to  become  his  wife. 

®  Eumelus,  being  the  son  of  a  king,  must  have  had  both  power  and 
riclies.  Aristides  (Monedia  de  Smyrna)  mentions  Theseus  as  one  of  the 
founders  of  the  city,  but  without  further  notice.  But  see  Herodotus  (i. 
IG),  who  says  that  Smyrna  was  founded  from  Colophon. 

’  It  is  supposed  by  Eustathius  (Comment,  ad  II.  xii.  page  913)  that 
Homer  commemorated  tlie  honest  endeavors  of  his  mother  to  support 
herself  and  son,  in  the  following  lines  :  “As  a  just  and  industrious  wo¬ 
man,  holds  the  scale,  and  weighs  the  wool  by  which  she  lives ;  she  is 
attentive  to  equalize  the  balances,  so  that  she  may  afford  her  children  a 
])Oor  subsistence,  the  price  of  fatiguing  labor.”  II.  xii.  433-435. 

Music  was  the  general  term  under  which  the  ancients  comprehended 
the  knowledge  of  philosophy,  logic,  literature,  harmonics,  and  in  fact 
all  that  concerns  mental  culture.  Gymnastics  was  its  parallel,  as  the 
art  of  beautifying  and  strengthening  the  body.  Aristo])hanes  several 
times  calls  the  art  of  dramatic  writing.  Music.  Conf.  Sch.  Aristoph. 
Equites  188.  Plato  Repub.  ii.  17. 

2 


Vlll 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


V.  Care  and  an  excellent  education  seconding  the  happy 
talents  with  which  nature  had  endowed  him,  Melesigenes 
soon  surpassed  his  school-fellows  in  every  attainment,  and 
when  older,  he  became  as  wise  as  his  instructor.  Fhemius 
died, 9  leaving  him  heir  to  his  property ;  his  mother  did  not 
long  survive  her  husband.  Melesigenes,  now  his  own  master, 
taught  in  the  school  of  Fhemius,  where  every  one  applauded 
lim.  He  excited  the  admiration,  not  only  of  the  inhabitants 
of  Smyrna,  but  also  of  the  numerous  strangers  who  resorted 
to  that  port  on  account  of  the  trade  carried  on  there,  partic¬ 
ularly  in  the  exportation  of  corn,  much  of  which  came  from 
the  environs  of  the  town.  These,  when  their  business  was 
finished,  frequented  his  school  in  great  numbers. 

VI.  Among  these  strangers,  was  one  whose  name  was 
Mentes.  He  had  come  from  the  island  of  Leucadia^®  to  buy 
corn  ;  the  vessel  in  Avhich  he  had  arrived  was  his  own ;  he 
also  was  a  lettered  man,  and  well  educated  for  those  times. 
This  man  persuaded  Melesigenes  to  close  his  school,  and  ac¬ 
company  him  on  his  travels.  He  promised  to  defray  all  the 
expenses,  and  give  him  a  certain  stipend,  telling  him  that, 
while  he  was  young,  it  was  imperative  on  him  to  see  with  his 
own  eyes  the  countries  and  cities  of  which  he  might  there¬ 
after  have  occasion  to  speak.  These  reasonings  prevailed,  1 
think,  the  more  easily,  as  he  had  some  idea,  at  that  time,  of 
devoting  himself  to  the  study  of  poetry  [which  would  be  fa¬ 
cilitated  by  travel,  as  his  innate  prejudices  would  thereby  be 
stifled].  He  quitted  his  school,  and  embarking  with  Mentes, 
examined  all  the  curiosities  of  the  countries  which  they  visit¬ 
ed,  and  informed  himself  of  every  thing  by  interrogating  ev¬ 
ery  one  he  met.  We  may  also  suppose,  that  he  recorded  in 
writing  all  the  information  he  thought  worthy  of  preservii- 
tion. 

®  Homer,  in  gratitude  to  his  preceptor,  has  celebrated  his  praise  in 
the  Odyssey,  i.  154,  155,  325,  etc.;  xvii.  2Gl  ;  and  xxii.  330-356. 

Now  called  Santa  2Iaura,  one  of  the  Ionian  Isles,  on  the  coast  of 
Epirus. 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


IX 


VIT.  After  having  traveled  in  Tyrrhenia  and  Iberia/^ 
they  arrived  at  the  island  of  Ithaca.  Melesigenes,  who  had 
already  suffered  pains  in  his  eyes,  now  became  much  worse. 
Mentes,  obliged  to  go  to  Leucadia,  his  native  country,  on 
business,  left  him  at  Ithaca  in  the  care  of  a  particular  friend 
of  his,  called  Mentor,  the  son  of  Alcimus.  He  promised 
Melesigenes  to  return  to  him,  that  they  might  continue  their 
voyages.  Mentor’s  assistance  was  given  to  Melesigenes  most 
zealously.  He  was  rich,  and  was  reputed  a  just  and  hospi¬ 
table  man.  It  was  here,  and  during  this  period,  that  Mele¬ 
sigenes  acquired  a  knowledge  of  all  the  legends  respecting 
Odysseus.  The  inhabitants  of  Ithaca  assert  “  that  Melesig¬ 
enes  became  blind  in  their  island.”  I  myself  incline  to  the 
opinion,  that  he  was  cured  of  his  disease,  or  that  it  was  alle¬ 
viated,  and  that  afterward,  when  at  Colophon,  he  permanent¬ 
ly  lost  his  sight.  And  so  think  the  Colophonians. 

VIH.  Mentes,  having  sailed  from  Leucadia,  arrived  at 
Ithaca.  Finding  Melesigenes  cured,  he  took  him  on  board, 
and  proceeded  from  place  to  place  with  him,  coming  at  length 
to  Colophon.  It  was  there  that  Melesigenes  was  again  at¬ 
tacked  by  the  disease,  which,  raging  more  malevolently,  left 
him  totally  blind.  This  misfortune  determined  him  to  de¬ 
part  from  Colophon,  and  to  return  to  Smyrna,  where  he 
studied  the  art  of  poetry  and  harmonics  with  much  atten¬ 
tion. 

IX.  After  some  time,  the  bad  state  of  his  affairs  induced 
him  to  go  to  Cumae.  Setting  out,  he  traveled  over  the  Her- 
maean  plain,  and  arrived  at  Neon-teichos,^^  a  colony  of  Cumae. 
It  is  related,  that  being  at  that  city  near  an  armorer’s’^ 
work-shop,  he  recited  these,  his  first  verses : 

“  Wesseling  throws  a  doubt  on  the  probability  of  these  voyages,  sup¬ 
porting  his  assertions  by  a  reference  to  Herodotus  (i.  163 ;  viii.  132), 
which  is  refuted  by  Larcher  in  his  note  on  the  passage. 

See  Herod,  i.  149. 

Literally,  “a  currier's  yard,"  but  Larcher  has  been  followed  in  the 
translation  of  the  phrase,  as  the  terms  are  almost  synonymous,  for  the 
tt'fDQs  of  the  Greeks  of  that  period  were  made  of  ox-hides,  stretched  on  a 


X 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


“O  ye,  citizens  of  the  amiable  daughter  of  Cuma?,^^  who 
cover  the  feet  of  JMount  Sasdena  with  your  habitations,  whose 
summit  is  shaded  by  refreshing  woods,  and  whence  flow  the 
waters  of  divine  Hermus,  create  of  Zeus,  respect  the  misfor¬ 
tunes  of  a  stranger,  who  possesses  no  refuge  for  shelter.” 

For  the  river  Hermus  flows  near  Neon-teichos,  and  Mount 
Scedena  overlooks  both.  The  name  of  the  armorer  was  Ty- 
chius.  These  verses  gave  him  such  pleasure  that  he  invited 
Melesigenes  to  his  house.  Full  of  commiseration  for  a  blind 
man  reduced  to  beggary,  he  promised  to  share  all  that  he  had 
with  him.  Melesigenes  having  entered,  seated  himself,  and 
in  the  presence  of  several  of  the  citizens,  manifested  his  ca¬ 
pabilities,  by  singing  the  exploits  of  Amphiaraiis  against 
Thebes,^^  and  the  Hymns  to  the  gods.^®  Each  gave  his 

metal  frame,  and  faced  with  the  same  material.  Thus,  in  ancient  times 
the  trades  were  exercised  simultaneously.  See  the  description  of  the 
shield  of  Ajax  (IX.  vii.  219),  and  Smith’s  Dictionaiy  of  Antiquities. 

See  Isaiah  xxiii.  12.  Faulinus,  bishop  of  Nola,  also  says,  in  speak¬ 
ing  of  Massilia,  the  present  Marseilles,  founded  by  the  Phocaians  (Thu- 
cyd.  i.  13.  Herod,  i.  1G6),  “  Massilia  Granum  filial  It  serves  to  hcighu 
en  the  poetic  ctfect  of  the  verses.  These  verses  arc  to  be  found  in  the 
Aldine  and  Florentine  editions.  The  text  of  the  third  verse  is  corrupt ; 
it  runs,  “  va'nT  Iq,  ^Sr]v,  ijg  Tro^a.”  Bernard  Martin  proposes  the  follow¬ 
ing  emendation,  '■^vaitTt  'Ecudrjvijg-Troda.'’  Stephen  of  Byzantium  (’EOi/t/ca, 
edit.  Westermann,  Lips.  1839,  8vo)  mentions  Mount  Stedena,  which 
makes  the  reading  more  probable.  Stedena  may  be  a  corruption  of  Sar- 
dena  mentioned  by  older  authors,  therefore  to  restore  Sardena,  as  Lar- 
cher  does,  would  be  to  destroy  a  proof  of  the  late  origin  of  the  Life. 
This  is  a  fact  worthy  of  notice  in  dating  the  composition  of  this  treatise. 
Stephen  of  Byzantium  lived  under  the  reign  of  Justinian  II.,  therefore 
this  treatise  must  have  been  written  somewhere  about  the  same  time. 

This  was  probably  the  poem  known  by  the  title  of  the  Thebais,  at¬ 
tributed  by  Callinus  (n.c.  700)  to  Homer.  Paus.  ix.  9;  Welck.  Cycl.  p. 
298.  It  consisted  of  700  lines.  On  which  see  Mure,  Greek  Literature, 
vol.  ii.  2G7-276  ;  Leutsch,  Theb.  Cycl.  Relic.  ;  Ritschl.  de  Alex.  Bibl. 
p.  101.  Conf.  Livy,  xxxvii.  19.  Hulitzer  (Epic.  Griec.  Fragm.)  has 
collected  all  the  fragments  of  the  Cyclic  poems.  His  work  is  well 
worthy  of  reference. 

On  the  Hymns,  see  Mure,  vol.  ii.  317-337,  and  Voss’s  German 
translation  of  the  hymn  to  Dcmeter,  Heidclb.,  182G. 


THE  LIFE  OP  HOMER. 


XI 


opinion,  and  Melesigenes  having  drawn  a  just  conclusion  from 
theii  criticisms,  his  hearers  were  struck  with  admiration. 

X.  Wliile  at  Neon-teichos,  his  poems  furnished  him  witli 
the  means  of  subsistence.  The  place  he  customarily  occupied 
durinji:  the  recitation  of  his  verses  is  still  shown.  It  is  held 
in  great  estimation  even  now,  and  is  shaded  by  a  poplar 
which  was  planted  about  the  time  of  his  arrival.^’^ 

XI.  But  at  length,  compelled  by  necessity,  and  finding 
scarcely  sufficient  to  keep  him  alive,  he  determined  to  pro¬ 
ceed  to  Cuinoe,  to  see  if  he  could  meet  with  better  fortune 
there.  When  ready  to  depart,  he  recited  these  verses : 

“  May  my  limbs  support  me  to  that  honorable  town,  whose 
inhabitants  possess  no  less  prudence  than  sagacity.” 

Having  departed  for  Cumas,  he  went  by  way  of  Larissa,^® 
considering  that  road  the  most  convenient.  It  was  there,  as 
the  Cumaeans  say,  that  he  composed  the  epitaph  of  Gordius, 
king  of  Phrygia,  at  the  request  of  the  father  and  mother  of 
the  wife  of  that  prince.  It  is  engraven  on  the  pillar  of  the 
monument  of  Gordius,  where  it  may  yet  be  seen. 

“  I  am  a  maiden  sculptured  in  bronze.  Placed  on  the 
monument  of  Midas,  as  long  as  water  may  be  seen  to  flow  in 
the  plains,  and  the  trees  to  flower  in  spring ;  as  long  as  the 
rising  sun  makes  men  to  rejoice,  and  the  moon,  by  the  brillian- 
cy  of  her  light,  dissipates  the  darkness  of  the  night ;  as  long 
as  the  rivers  flow  rapidly  along  between  their  banks,  and  the 
ocean  covers  the  shore  with  its  waves,  I  shall  be  continually 
seen  reposing  on  this  sad  tomb,  announcing  to  the  passengers 
that  Midas  lies  here  interred.” 

Should  we  not  read  arrival?”  Poplars  can  hardly  live  so 

lonp. 

According  to  Xenophon  (Cyropaed.  vii.  1),  this  city  was  afterward 
given  by  Cyrus  to  some  Egyptians  in  recompense  for  their  bravery  in  the 
Assyrian  war,  and  was  still  in  the  possession  of  their  deseendants  at  the 
time  of  that  author. 

Conf.  Plat.  Phaidrus,  §  lOG;  Biog.  Laert.  i.  89.  Simonides  there 
attributes  them  to  Cleobulus  of  Liiidus,  and  with  much  apj^arent  proba-* 
bility. 


Xll 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


XII.  When  Melesigenes  arrived  at  Cumse,  he  frequented 
the  assemblies  of  the  elders,  and  there  recited  his  verses. 
Admiring  their  beautiful  structure,  they  fell  into  an  ecstasy 
of  delight.  Joyful  at  the  reception  his  poems  had  prepared 
for  him  among  the  Cummans,  and  at  the  pleasure  with  which 
they  had  heard  him,  he  one  day  proposed  to  them,  that  if  the 
state  would  maintain  him,  he  would  make  the  city  of  Cumm 
very  celebrated.  Flis  hearers  approved  of  the  proposition, 
and  engaged  him  to  present  himself  before  the  council,  where 
they  would  support  him  with  all  their  interest.  Melesigenes, 
encouraged  by  their  approbation,  presented  himself  at  the 
House  of  Assembly  on  an  audience  day,  and  addressing  the 
person  who  had  the  office  of  presenting  those  who  had  any 
request  to  prefer,  he  begged  to  be  allowed  to  enter.  This  of¬ 
ficer  did  not  neglect  to  present  him  the  first  opportunity  that 
offered.  Melesigenes,  as  soon  as  that  ceremony  was  over, 
addressed  the  assembly  regarding  the  proposition  he  had  for¬ 
merly  made.  His  speech  ended,  he  retired,  in  order  that  the 
representatives  might  deliberate  on  the  answer  necessary  to 
give  him. 

XIII.  He  that  presented  him,  and  all  those  representatives 
belonging  to  the  Elders’  Assembly,  where  he  had  recited, 
voted  for  him.  It  is  said  that  one  only  opposed  the  measure, 
giving  for  his  reasons,  “  that  if  they  thought  to  feed  homers, 
they  would  find  themselves  encumbered  with  useless  folks.’’ 
From  this  time  the  name  of  Homer,  bestowed  thus  opprobri  • 
ously  on  Melesigenes  in  consequence  of  his  misfortune,  was 
most  generally  used  in  speaking  of  him ;  for  the  Cumaeans,  in 
their  dialect,  called  blind  persons  homers.  Strangers  always 
used  this  name  in  discoursing  of  the  poet. 

XIV.  The  Archon  concluded  with  saying,  “  that  it  was 

See  Wakefield,  Ep.  to  Fox  and  Coleridge,  sub  init.  Blomfield 
(Mas.  Crit.)  in  reviewing  Wakefield  condemns  the  whole  notion,  and 
with  reason.  On  the  name  signifying  collector  or  arranger^  see  Welcker 
in  Der  Epische  Cyclus,  p.  127,  and  Wilson’s  Syst.  of  Hindu  Mythology, 
Introd.  p.  Ixii.  For  the  rarious  etymologies,  Bode’s  Gesch.  der  Hellea 
Dichtkst.  vol.  i.  p.  55,  n.  259,  n. 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


Xlll 


impolitic  to  maintain  the  blind  man.*’  This  caused  the  ma- 
jority  of  the  representatives  to  vote  against  the  measure,  the 
second  time,  and  thus  the  Archon  obtained  more  votes  than 
opposers.  The  presenting  officer  communicated  with  Melesig- 
enes  on  the  subject,  informing  him  of  the  progress  of  the  de¬ 
bate,  and  of  the  decree.  Deploring  his  ill  fortune,  he  recited 
these  verses :  “  To  what  sad  fate  has  father  Zeus  destined 

me  ?  I,  who  have  been  carefully  educated  at  the  feet  of  a  be¬ 
loved  mother  during  the  time  that  the  people  of  Phriconis,'-^^ 
skillful  in  taming  horses,  and  breathing  only  war,  raised  the 
.iSilolian  city,  honorable  Smyrna,^^  on  the  borders  of  the  ocean, 
by  the  behest  of  Zeus,  that  city  traversed  by  the  sacred  wa¬ 
ters  of  Meles.  The  illustrious  dauo;hters  of  Zeus,  on  their  de- 
parture  from  these  places,  wished  to  immortalize  this  sacred 
town^^  by  my  verses;  but,  deaf  to  my  voice,  the  brutish  herd 
disdained  my  harmonious  lays.^^  No,  it  shall  not  continue 
so !  whoever  in  blind  folly  heaped  insults  on  my  head,  shall 
not  escape  unscathed.  I  will  courageously  endure  the  ills 
dealt  out  to  me  by  the  Deity.  ’Tis  over,  I  will  no  longer 
rest  in  Cumas.  My  feet  burn  to  depart  hence,  and  my  pant¬ 
ing  heart  urges  me  to  seek  a  foreign  clime,  and  there  to  dwell, 
however  insignificant  the  place  may  be.” 

Larcher  translates  this  “the  people  of  Phrieium.”  Phricium  was 
a  town  and  mountain  near  Thermopylae.  A  colony  from  thence  built 
Cumae.  Hence  Cumae  is  occasionally  called  Phriconis.  See  §  xxxviii., 
and  Herod,  i.  149. 

Smyrna,  as  we  have  seen  (§  ii.),  was  built  by  the  Cumaeans.  See 
note  6,  p.  ix. 

“  The  poet  refers  again  to  Cumae. 

The  old  reading  (and  the  reading  of  the  Harleian  MS.,  No.  5G00) 
is  as  follows : 

Oi  dTravyvdtrQrjv  lepdv  oira,  (pijpi  doidpv. 

’A(ppadir]v  rwv  p,kv  tb  TraOiov  rig  (ppdaatrat  ao9ig 

’’Og  atpiv . K.  T.\. 

The  present  translator  has  followed  the  emendation  of  Larcher,  who 
suppresses  the  point  after  doidpv  and  places  it  after  dippadirjv,  which  is 
changed  into  d<ppadly\  causing  d<ppaciy  to  relate  to  oi  d’  dTravyvdaOijv- 
See  Lercher’s  note. 


XIV 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


XV.  On  leaving  Cumaj  for  Fliocaea  lie  pronounced  a  mal¬ 
ediction  against  the  Cumaians,  to  the  following  effect :  “  that 
there  never  might  be  born  in  Cumre  a  poet,  who  could  render 
it  celebrated,  and  give  it  glory.”  Arrived  at  Phociea,  he  sup¬ 
ported  himself  as  he  had  done  at  Cumie  and  elsewhere,  assid¬ 
uously  frequenting  the  places  of  assembly,  at  which  he  re¬ 
cited  his  verses.  There  was,  at  that  time,  an  unprincipled 
man  named  Thestorides  at  Phocaea,  a  teacher  of  the  rudi¬ 
ments  of  literature.  Having  observed  the  talents  of  Homer, 
he  offered  to  shelter  and  take  care  of  him,  if,  as  a  recompense, 
Homer  would  permit  him  to  take  down  his  verses  in  writing, 
and  if  he  would  do  the  same  with  those  he  might  hereafter 
compose.  Homer,  being  poor  and  destitute,  accepted  his  offer. 

XVI.  During  his  residence  in  Phociea,  at  the  house  of 
Thestorides,  he  composed  the  Little  Iliad,^^  of  which  the  two 
first  verses  are  as  follows  : 

‘‘  I  sing  of  Ilium  and  Dardania,  abounding  in  excellent 
horses,2c  and  the  ills  the  Greeks,  servants  of  Mars,  endured 
in  their  plains.” 

The  Little  Ilias  fxiKpa)  is  generally  considered  to  be  the  com¬ 

position  of  Lesches  or  Lescheos,  who  fionrished  about  the  eighteenth 
Olympiad.  This  poem,  and  the  JEthiopis  of  Arctinus,  a  more  ancient 
writer,  who  lived  in  the  beginning  of  the  Olympiads,  treated  of  the  same 
subject,  and  so  gave  rise  to  an  absurd  anachronism,  concerning  a  contest 
between  the  two  poets.  It  has  been  (like  all  the  cyclic  poems)  various¬ 
ly  ascribed  to  Homer  himself,  to  Thestorides  of  Phociea  (§  xvi.),  Cince- 
thon  of  Lacedaemon,  and  Diodorus  of  Erythrae.  The  poem  was  divided 
into  four  books,  according  to  Proclus,  who  preserves  an  extract.  It 
narrated  the  fate  of  Ajax,  the  exploits  of  Odysseus,  Neoptolemus,  and 
Philoctetes,  and  the  final  capture  and  sacking  of  Troy  (Arist.  Poet, 
xxiii.),  which  part  of  the  poem  received  the  name  of  the  Destruction  of 
Troy  (’iXiou  Trepaig).  The  poem  possessing  no  unity  excepting  historic¬ 
al  and  chronological  succession,  Aristotle  (loc.  cit.)  justly  observes  that 
eight  tragedies  might  be  made  from  it,  while  only  one  can  be  composed 
from  the  Iliad  or  Odyssey.  Conf.  Muller’s  History  of  Greek  Literature, 
vi.  §3;  XVelcker,  Der  Epische  Cyclus,  pp.  132,  251,  272,  358,  3(58;  Sui- 
das,  s.  y."Opr]poQ ;  Clemens  Alex.  i.  p.  381  ;  Saumaise,  In  exercitationi- 
bu3  Plinianis,  p.  847,  et  seq.  ;  Mure,  Greek  Literature,  vol.  ii.  284,  285. 

Homer,  in  the  Iliad,  frequently  calls  the  plains  of  Troy  “rich  in 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


XV 


lie  next  composed  Ihe  Phoca3id,^'^  as  the  Phocmans  say. 
Wi  .en  Thestorides  had  written  down  that  poem,  and  the  rest 
he  had  received  from  Homer,  he  neglected  him,  and  determ¬ 
ining  to  appropriate  them  to  himself,  left  Phocma,  Homer  thus 
addressed  him : 

“  Thestorides,  of  the  many  things  hidden  from  man,  the 
most  obscure  is  the  human  heart.”  Thestorides,  having  sail- 
ed  from  Phocoea,  retired  to  Chios,  where  he  established  a 
school  of  literature,  and  by  his  having  recited  Homer’s  verses, 
which  he  did,  attributing  them  to  himself,  he  obtained  great 
praise  and  much  money.  As  to  Homer,  he  continued  in  the 
same  way  of  life  as  heretofore,  being  supported  by  his  verses. 

XVII.  Shortly  afterward  some  merchants  of  Chios,  having 
come  to  Phocoea,  went  to  the  assemblies  where  Flomer  re¬ 
cited.  Surprised  to  hear  those  verses  recited  that  they  had 
so  often  applauded  when  spoken  by  Thestorides,  they  inform¬ 
ed  Homer  that  there  was  at  Chios  a  teacher  of  literature,  who 
was  much  esteemed  for  the  recitation  of  the  same  poems. 
Homer,  perceiving  who  it  was,  prepared  for  a  journey  to 
Chios.  Having  gone  down  to  the  port,  he  found  no  ship  that 
was  going  to  that  island,  but  met  with  one  about  to  sail  for 
Erythrje,2S  to  fetch  timber.  As  that  town  seemed  to  be  con¬ 
venient  for  passing  over  into  Chios,  he  accosted  the  seamen 
courteously,  entreating  them  to  allow  him  to  accompany  them, 
and,  as  an  inducement,  promised  to  recite  some  of  his  verses 

horses.”  There  is  some  resemblance  in  Sophocles  (CEdip.  Col.  v.  660), 
where  the  Chorus  tells  GEdipus  that  he  had  come  to  the  land  “renowned 
for  the  steed,”  speaking  of  Colonus. 

•  Of  this  poem  nothing  is  known.  It  was  probably  a  history  of  the 
founding  and  progress  of  the  town  of  Phocaea,  now  called  Pkokia. 
Fabricius  conjectures  that  we  should  read  Phaecid,  instead  of  Phocaeid, 
See  Ovid,  Epist.  iv.  ep.  12,  1.  27. 

“Dignam  Moeoniis  Phteacida  condere  chartis 
Cum  te  Pierides  perdocuere  tuoe.” 

But  see  Cardinal  Quirini  (Z)e  primordiis  Corcyree,  p.  19  et  20) ;  Mure, 
vol.  ii.  369,  sqq.  ;  Welck.  Ep.  Cycl.  p.  248. 

A  town  of  Ionia,  opposite  Chios,  now  called  Ritre.  It  was  built  by 
Ncleus,  son  of  Codrus.  See  Pans.  x.  12  ;  Livy,  xxxviii.  39  ;  xliv.  28. 


XVI 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


to  them.  They  agreed  to  this,  and  on  liis  liaving  entered  the 
vessel,  and  seated  himself,  after  extolling  their  hospitality,  he 
addressed  these  verses  to  them  : 

“  Give  ear  to  my  prayer,  powerful  Poseidon,  who  reigneth 
over  the  vast  plains  of  Helicon  send  us  a  favorable  breeze, 
and  allow  a  joyful  return  to  these  mariners,  fellows  in  the 
voyage,  and  to  the  master  of  the  vessel.  May  I  arrive  safely 
at  the  foot  of  frowning  Mimas,  and  meet  with  just  and  worthy 
men !  May  I  also  avenge  myself  on  the  man,  who,  by  deceit, 
has  irritated  Zeus,  the  hospitable  god,  against  him  ;  who,  ad¬ 
mitting  me  to  his  table,  afterward  violated  the  sacred  duties 
of  the  host  in  my  person.” 

XVIII.  Arrived  at  Erythrse,  with  favorable  winds,  Iloraer 
remained  for  the  rest  of  the  day  on  board  the  vessel,  but,  next 
morning,  begged  the  sailors  to  allow  some  one  of  them  to  con¬ 
duct  him  to  the  town.  They  granted  his  request.  He  de¬ 
parted,  and  having  come  to  Erythrae,  which  is  situated  in  a 
naked  and  rocky  country,  recited  the  following  verses: 

“  Floly  Mother  Gaia,  who  dispensest  thy  riches  to  man¬ 
kind,  prodigal  in  goodness  to  those  whom  thou  favorest ;  to 
those  who  offend  thee  thou  apportionest  only  a  rocky  and 
sterile  soil.” 

On  his  arrival  he  made  inquiries  concerning  the  navigation 
to  Chios.  A  person  who  had  known  Homer  in  Phocoea,  re¬ 
membering  him  with  regard,  approached  and  embraced  him. 
Homer  begged  his  aid,  which  he  readily  gave. 

XIX.  Not  finding  any  ship^o  in  the  harbor,  they  went  to 
that  part  of  the  strand  whence  the  fishermen  usually  put  off, 
where  they  found  one  about  to  sail  for  Chios.  The  conduct¬ 
or  of  Homer  entreated  them  to  take  him  across  with  them  ; 
but,  deaf  to  his  prayers,  they  continued  their  preparations  for 

The  text  (Hark  JMSS.  No.  .5G00)  is  as  follows:  'Evpvxopov  ptStojv 
7)Se  ^avOov  'EXikwvoq.  See  Larcher’s  note.  Why  Helicia,  as  with  him, 
I  am  at  a  loss  to  conjecture. 

IlXoiov  must  be  understood  with  a-TroaToXov.  Conf.  O  pkv  Si)  aito- 
aToXoq  tg  ti)v  MiXrjTov  tjv,  .  .  .  k,  t.X.  Ilerod.  i.  21.  See  Larcher’s 
note  on  the  passage  quoted. 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMEK. 


xvii 


departure.  Homer,  on  this  occurrence,  made  the  following 
verses : 

“  Mariners,  who  traverse  the  seas,  continually  exposed  to 
the  hard  vicissitudes  of  fortune,  and  who,  to  regale  the  more 
luxurious,  seek  a  hardly-earned  subsistence  on  the  waves, 
honor  Zeus,  the  god  of  hospitality,  who  reigns  over  us.  His 
wrath  is  dreadful ;  beware  lest  it  burst  on  your  heads,  should 
you  offend  him.” 

The  fishermen,  all  being  ready,  at  length  departed,  but  be¬ 
ing  driven  about  by  adverse  winds,  were  forced  to  return, 
'^riiey  found  Homer  still  seated  on  the  strand.  Hearing  the 
noise  of  their  return,  he  addressed  them  thus :  “  The  winds 
are  contrary;  receive  me  on  board,  and  they  will  change.” 
The  fishermen,  regretting  their  inhospitality,  promised  not  to 
desert  him,  if  he  would  come  on  board. 

XX.  He  enters  the  vessel,  they  leave  the  shore,  and  now 
they  approach  the  opposite  coast.  They  begin  to  fish.  Ho¬ 
mer  passed  the  night  on  the  sea-shore,  but,  at  the  dawn  of 
day,  he  departed.  Wandering  about,  he  came  to  a  hamlet 
called  Pithys,^^  where  he  lay  down  to  rest.  During  his  sleep, 
the  fruit  of  a  pine-tree  fell  on  him.  Some  call  this  fruit  by 
the  name  of  strobilus,  others  call  them  pine-cones.^^  The  fol¬ 
lowing  verses  were  made  by  Homer  on  this  occasion : 

“  On  the  summit  of  Mount  Ida  there  are  pine-trees  contin¬ 
ually  agitated  by  the  winds,  whose  fruit  is  more  agreeable 
than  that  of  these.  From  the  bosom  of  that  mountain,  iron 
shall  come,  sacred  to  the  god  of  battles,  when  it  shall  be  oc= 
cupied  by  the  Cebrenians.” 

Pithys  signifies  a  cone.  The  island  was  probably  very  woody,  as 
Salamis,  celebrated  for  its  woods,  bore  that  name  in  very  ancient  times. 

Galen  (De  Alimentorum  facilitate,  tom.  iv.  p.  32.5)  says,  “The 
cone,  or  fruit  of  the  pine,  gives  a  juice  of  good  quality,  thick,  and  nour¬ 
ishing,  but  not  easy  of  digestion.  The  Greeks  of  the  present  time  do 
not  call  them  cones,  but  strohili."  The  occurrence  of  the  word  strobilus 
upsets,  in  Wesseling’s  opinion,  the  probability  of  thjs  having  been  a  work 
of  so  early  an  age  as  Herodotus.  May  not,  as  Larcher  plausibly  conjec¬ 
tures,  a  word  have  been  drawn  into  the  text,  through  the  iunorauce  of 


XVlil 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


For  about  this  time  the  Cuniaeans  were  building  Cebrene, 
oil  the  heights  of  Mount  Ida,  near  tlie  place  where  the  iron- 
mines  are. 

XXI.  Homer,  having  set  out  from  Pithys,  went  toward  a 
troop  of  goats,  being  attracted  by  their  cries.  The  dogs,  see¬ 
ing  him  approach,  began  to  bark  at  and  annoy  him.  Glau- 
cus,  for  that  was  the  name  of  the  shepherd,  hearing  his  cries, 
ran  has.ily,  calling  his  dogs  back,  and  menacing  them.^^ 
This  man,  surprised  to  see  a  blind  person  alone,  and  not 
knowing  how  he  came  there,  was  rendered  speechless  from 
astonishment.  Having  accosted  him,  he  asked  him  how  he 
came  to  an  uninhabited  place,  where  there  were  no  paths,  or 
who  had  guided  him  thither.  Homer  related  his  misfortunes 
to  him.  Glaucus  had  a  tender  heart,  and  was  touched  by 
the  narration.  Fie  guided  Homer  to  his  own  house,  lighted  a 
fire,  prepared  a  repast,  and  setting  it  before  him,  pressed  him 
to  eat. 

XXII.  The  dogs,  instead  of  eating,  continued  to  bark  at 
Homer,  as  dogs  usually  do  at  strangers.  Homer,  observing 
it,  recited  these  verses : 

Glaucus,  keeper  of  these  flocks,^'^  understand  thoroughly 
what  I  shall  say.  Give  your  dogs  their  food  in  the  porch. 
This  advice  is  good.  They  will  then  hear  the  steps  of  men  or 
beasts  going  toward  your  inclosures  more  easily.” 

Glaucus,  finding  the  advice  good  on  trial,  praised  the  giver 
of  it  more  than  ever.  When  they  had  eaten,  animated  con¬ 
versation  followed.  Homer  narrated  his  adventures  in  the 

copyists,  which  had  originally  been  placed  in  the  margin  as  explanato¬ 
ry  ?  See  his  note. 

Conf.  Odyss.  xiv.  34.  That  passage  and  another  in  the  same  book 
(290)  seem  plainly  to  refer  to  circumstances  mentioned  in  the  text,  i.  e. 
the  punishment  of  the  dogs  by  Glaucus,  and  (§  xvi.)  tlie  flight  of  Thes- 
torides. 

The  Florentine  and  Aldine  editions,  and  that  of  Stephens  (1573), 
as  well  as  Harleian  iMSS.  (No.  8G00),  have,  Trkirinjv  tTriuiv  ra 

tiroc  TO  tTTog  to  ivi  (ppeai  Ofjfru).  But  Suidas  (art.  gives  the  fol¬ 

lowing,  rXavKf  [ipOTwv  tTrtoTrra. 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


xlx 


various  countries  and  cities  he  had  seen.  Glaucus  was  de¬ 
lighted,  but  as  it  was  time  to  sleep,  they  went  to  rest. 

XXIII.  The  following  morning,  Glaucus  thought  it  neces¬ 
sary  to  inform  his  master  of  the  agreeable  acquaintance  lie 
had  made.  Confiding  the  flocks  to  the  care  of  Ids  fellow- 
slave,  and  leaving  Homer  in  the  house,  assuring  him  that  he 
would  not  fail  to  return  quickly,  he  departed.  Ari-ived  at 
Bolissus,^^  a  small  town,  at  a  little  distance  from  the  farm,  he 
related  to  his  master  all  that  he  knew  of  Homer,  speaking  of 
his  arrival  as  an  astonishing  thing,  and  demanding  to  know 
his  wishes  on  the  subject.  His  master  did  not  like  the  occur¬ 
rence,  and  blamed  Glaucus  for  his  foolishness,  in  admitting  a 
blind  man  to  his  table.  Nevertheless,  he  ordered  Homer  to 
be  brought  to  him. 

XXIV.  Glaucus,  on  his  return,  related  to  Homer  all  the 
particulars  of  his  visit,  and  begged  him  to  follow  him  thither, 
telling  him  that  all  his  future  happiness  and  good  fortune  de¬ 
pended  on  his  going  to  Bolissus.  Homer  acquiesced  in  what 
he  said.  Glaucus  presented  him  to  his  master,  who  found 
him  to  be  a  man  of  information  and  talent,  and  offered  to  re¬ 
tain  him  in  his  house  if  he  would  instruct  his  children,  who 
were  yet  very  young. Homer  accepted  these  proposals.  It 
was  at  Bolissus,  in  the  house  of  this  Chian  citizen,  that  he 
composed  the  Cercopia,^’  the  Batrachomyomachia,^®  the  Epi 

Bolissus,  now  called  Voliso,  is  a  small  town  on  the  northeastern 
coast  of  Chios,  and  near  Cardamyle.  Thucyd.  viii.  24. 

See  Lurcher’s  note. 

Included  by  Suidas  and  Proclus  among  his  works.  The  word  sig¬ 
nifies  “deceivers.”  The  Greek  verb,  KtpKOTriZ,Hv ,  means  “to  act  fraud¬ 
ulently.”  See  Lobeck,  Aglanph.  p.  129G;  Muller,  Dor.  vol.  i.  p.  457; 
Wclcic.  Ep.  Cycl.  p.  409,  note;  Mure,  vol.  ii.  p.  3G7-369. 

This  poem,  “The  Battle  of  the  Frogs  and  Mice,”  is  a  mock-hero¬ 
ic,  in  three  books;  and  of  the  best  of  its  kind.  It  is  evidently  not  bv 
Homer,  as  many  of  the  passages  are  direct  parodies  on  parts  of  the  Iliad. 
Curiously  enough  the  Batrachomyomachia  was  the  first  of  the  Homeric 
poems  printed  at  the  revival  of  letters.  It  was  edited  by  Laonicus  of 
Crete  (Venice,  1486),  and  printed  in  alternate  black  and  red  lines. 
The  author  is  now  considered  to  bo  Bigres,  and  he  likewise  is  responsh 


XX 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


cichlidia,^®  and  all  those  other  amusing  books  and  poems  that 
have  gained  him  such  celebrity.  Wlieii  Thestorides  heard 
that  Homer  was  in  Chios,  he  left  the  island. 

XXV.  Some  time  after,  Homer  begged  the  Chian  citizen 
to  take  him  to  the  town  of  Chios  :  he  there  established  a 
school, in  which  he  taught  the  maxims  of  poetry  to  young 
people.  He  acquitted  himself  of  this  task  so  efficiently,  in 

ble  for  the  Margites,  which  last,  however,  Bode  {Geschichte  der  IJellen- 
ischen  Dichthunst,  i.  p.  279)  denies,  though  Suidas  is  confirmed  by  Flu- 
tarch  (de  Herod,  malign.  43,  p.  873,  f.).  He  was  a  Halicarnassean,  and 
brother  or  son  of  Artemisia,  queen  of  Caria,  according  to  some  accounts. 
The  Margites  was  a  comic  poem,  the  subject  of  which  was  the  adven¬ 
tures  and  actions  of  one  whose  character  is,  in  the  fragments,  summed 
up  thus,  “For  much  he  knew,  but  little  knew  he  well,”  and  that  little 
he  displays  with  the  greatest  self-glorification  in  the  world.  The  poem 
was  believed  by  Plato  (Alcib.  ii.  p.  147,  c.)  and  Aristotle  (Ethic.  Nicom. 
vi.  7,  Magn.  Moral,  ad  Eudem.  v.  7)  to  be  a  Homeric  production,  was 
highly  esteemed  by  Callimachus,  and  in  the  time  of  Demosthenes,  the 
name  of  Margites  was  proverbial  for  stupidity  (Harpocr.  s.  v.  Mapyirgg; 
Phot.  Sex.  p.  247,  ed.  Porson  ;  Plut.  in  Demosth.  23 ;  jEschin.  adv. 
Ctesiph.  p.  297).  The  Margites  was  considered  by  Aristotle  as  the  es¬ 
sence  of  comedy,  as  the  Iliad  and  Odyssea  were  of  heroic  and  narrative 
poetry.  Poetic.  §  7.  Lindemann,  in  his  work  De  Lyra  (i.  p.  79,  etc.), 
has  collected  all  the  fragments  of  this  poem.  See  Mure,  ii.  358,  sqq. 
and  ii.  3G3-367. 

Homer  is  said  to  have  called  one  of  his  poems  ’E7r/KtxXi'^tC,  because 
when  he  sang  to  the  boys  they  rewarded  him  with  fieldfares.  See  Payne 
Knight,  Prolegg.  ad  Homer,  p.  viii. ;  Athenceus,  ii.  24,  xiv.  9;  Mure, 
ii.  p.  362 ;  and  Welcker,  Ep.  Cycl.  412. 

Speaking  of  the  antiquities  of  the  island  of  Chios,  Chandler  says 
(Travels,  vol.  i.  p.  61):  “The  most  curious  remain  which  has  been 
named,  without  reason.  The  School  of  Homer.  It  is  on  the  coast,  at 
some  distance  from  the  city  northward,  and  appears  to  have  been  an 
open  temple  of  Cybele,  formed  on  the  top  of  a  rock.  The  shape  is  oval, 
and  in  the  centre  is  the  image  of  the  goddess,  the  head  and  an  arm 
wanting.  She  is  represented,  as  usual,  sitting.  The  chair  has  a  lion 
carved  on  each  side,  and  on  the  back.  The  area  is  bounded  by  a  low 
rim  or  seat,  and  about  five  yards  over.  The  whole  is  hewn  out  of  the 
mountain,  is  rude,  indistinct,  and  probably  of  the  most  remote  antiqui¬ 
ty.”  Pope  also,  in  his  Introductory  Essay,  mentions  a  ruinous  building 
in  the  neighborhood  of  Bolissus,  as  being  traditionally  named  the  house 
of  Homer. 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


XXI 


tlie  opinion  of  the  Chians,  that  the  greater  part  held  him  in 
high  estimation.  He  thus  acquired  a  considerable  fortune, 
married,^ ^  and  had  two  daughters,  one  of  whom  died  single, 
the  other  married  a  Chian. 

XXVI.  He  shows  great  gratitude  to  his  benefactors  in  his 
poems,  particularly  to  Mentor  of  Ithaca,  in  the  Odyssea,  on 
account  of  his  having  taken  care  of  him  during  his  blindness, 
while  in  that  island.  He  mentions  his  name  in  that  poem, 
placing  him  among  the  companions  of  Odysseus,  and  relates 
that  that  prince,  on  his  departure  for  Troy,  appointed  him 
.steward  of  his  house  and  lands,  knowing  him  to  be  the  most 
just  and  worthy  man  in  Ithaca.  Homer  often  mentions  him 
in  other  parts  of  his  poem,  and  'when  Athene  is  represented 
speaking  to  some  one,  it  is  under  the  form  of  Mentor. He 
also  testifies  his  gratitude  to  Phemius,  who,  not  content  with 

His  wife’s  father  seems  to  have  been  Creophilus  (according  to  other 
accounts  he  was  Homer’s  son-in-law,  and  received  the  OlxaXia  as  a 
dowry),  an  epic  poet  of  Chios,  Samos,  or  los.  Plato,  Rep.  x.  3  ;  Callim. 
Epi(j.  6 ;  Strab.  xiv.  p.  638 ;  Sext.  Empir.  ad  Math.  i.  2 ;  Eustath.  ad 
Horn.  II.  ii.  730  ;  Suidas,  s.  v.  Plutarch  reports  that  it  was  in  the  pos¬ 
session  of  his  family  that  the  Iliad  and  the  Odyssea  were  discovered. 
Mure,  ii.  276,  sqq. 

For  Chian  read  Cyprian,  as  Stasinus,  the  son-in-law,  was  a  poet 
of  Cyprus.  He  contests  the  honor  of  the  authorship  of  the  Cypriacs, 
with  Homer  (Welcker,  Ep  Cycl.  p.  300),  and  Hegesias  (or  Hegesinus, 
according  to  Photius,  Cod.  239,  p.  319,  ed.  Bekker,)  a  Salaminian. 
Two  lines  of  the  Cypriacs  are  preserved  in  Plato’s  Euthyphron  (p.  12,  a, 
where  the  Scholiast  attributes  them  to  Homer),  where  that  philosopher 
censures  them  as  untrue,  by  the  mouth  of  Socrates : 

“Almighty  Zeus  unwillingly  you  name. 

For  ever  linked  with  fear  is  bashful  shame.” 

The  extant  hymn  to  Aphrodite  is  conjectured  by  Schoel  {Histoire  de  la 
Literature  Grecque  Profane,  vol.  i.  p.  167)  to  be  a  fragment  of  this  poem. 
By  some,  this  poem  is  stated  to  have  been  a  dowry  with  Homer’s  daugh¬ 
ter.  The  number  of  books  it  contained  is  doubtful ;  Athenceus,  how¬ 
ever,  quotes  the  eleventh.  It  related  the  events  which  led  to  the  Tro¬ 
jan  war,  on  which  see  Smith,  iii.  p.  899;  Mure,  ii.  279-282.  Herod, 
ii.  117.  Compare  with  the  plot  of  the  Cypriacs,  Eurip.  Orest.  1635, 
and  Helen,  38. 

Odyssea,  ii.  399. 


XXll 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


instructing  him  in  literature,  liad  also  maintained  liim  at  his 
own  expense.  It  may  be  observed  in  these  verses  particular 
ly 

“  A  herald  placed  a  magnificent  lyre  in  the  hands  of  Phe- 
mius,  the  worthiest  pupil  of  Apollo ;  unwillingly  he  takes  it, 
constrained  to  sing  among  those  lovers.  Traversing  the  Ivrc 
with  light  and  active  fingers,  he  produces  melodious  sounds.” 

He  also  celebrates  the  sea-captain  with  whom  he  had  trav¬ 
eled  through  so  many  lands.  His  name  was  Mentes,  and 
these  are  the  verses 

“  My  name  is  Mentes ;  born  of  Anchialus,  illustrious  by 
his  valor,  I  reign  over  the  expert-rowing  Taphians.” 

He  also  speaks  of  the  armorer,  Tychius,  who  had  hospita 
bly  entertained  him  at  Neon-teichos.  The  verses  in  his 
praise  occur  in  the  Iliad,  thus 

“  Already  the  son  of  Telamon  waits  on  him  near,  carrying 
a  tower-like  shield.  Tychius,  at  FIyla3  resident,  unequaled 
in  industry  by  any  of  liis  fellows,  made  him  this  buckler,  a 
master-piece  of  his  art,  formed  of  the  spoil  of  seven  mighty 
oxen,  bound  by  a  strong  covering  of  brass.” 

XXVII.  These  poems  rendered  Homer  celebrated  in  Ionia, 
and  his  reputation  began  to  spread  itself  in  the  continent  of 
Greece.  On  this  account,  many  persons  visited  liim  during  his 
residence  in  Chios,  and  some  advised  him  to  go  to  Greece.  He 
had  always  desired  to  do  so,  and  thus  the  counsel  pleased  him. 

XXVIII.  Pie  had  praised  the  town  of  Argos  very  fre¬ 
quently,^"^  but  remembering  that  he  had  nowhere  mentionetl 
Athens,  he  introduced  some  verses  into  the  larger  Iliad in 


Oar  author  lias,  however,  substituted  oc  dt)  7ro\\oi>  tKatvvro 

TravraQ  dtldwv,  “Phemius  excelling  in  the  art  of  song,”  for  dg 

f/’  i'leids  Trapd  ixvTjnrrj^aiv  aj^ay/cy,  as  it  stands  in  the  Odyssea  (i.  1.54). 
And  then  he  connects  the  second  and  third  verses  by  Kal  ttoXiv,  as  if 
there  were  several  lines  between  them.  Perhaps,  as  Larcher  thinks, 
the  writer  quoted  from  memory ;  or  very  possibly  his  authority  was  a 
corrupt  and  ill-written  copy. 

Odyss.  i.  180.  II.  vii.  219.  Conf.  Ilewd.  v.  07. 

Viz.  die  Iliad,  which  is  thus  distinguished  from  the  Lesser  Iliad. 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


XXlll 


its  praise,  where  he  speaks  of  that  city  in  the  most  flattering 
manner.  It  occurs  in  the  Catalogue  of  the  Ships 

“  The  city  of  generous  Erechtheus,  which  the  fruitful  Earth 
produced,  and  Athene,  daughter  of  Zeus,  fostered. 

He  then  highly  extols  Menestheus.  He  excels,  says  he,  in 
arranging  the  chariots  and  infantry  in  order  of  battle.  Here 
are  the  lines : 

“  The  son  of  Peteus,  Menestheus,  led  these  troops.  Of  all 
the  mortals  fed  by  Earth,  none  equaled  this  chief  in  the  art 
of  ordering  the  chariots  and  forces  for  battle.”^^ 

He  placed  Aias,  son  of  Telamon,  near  the  Athenians ;  he 
commanded  the  Salaminians.  That  is  in  the  following  verses  : 

“  Aias,  son  of  Telamon,  conducted  twelve  long  ships^^  front 
Salamis,  and  placed  them  beside  the  Athenian  squadron. 

Lastly,  in  the  Odyssey,  he  feigns  that  Athene,  after  an  in¬ 
terview  with  Odysseus,  goes  to  Athens,  the  town  she  honored 
above  all  others : 

_  0 

“  Taking  flight  toward  the  Marathonian  plains,  she  pro¬ 
ceeded  to  the  magnificent  town  of  Athens,  the  famous  dwell¬ 
ing-place  of  long-departed  Erechtheus. 

The  ancients  distinguished  the  different  parts  of  the  Iliad  by  vari¬ 
ous  titles,  a  practice  which  gave  rise  to  the  theory  of  Lachman.  Aris¬ 
totle  (Poetic,  xvi.  §  3)  speaks  of  the  “washing  of  Odysseus,”  and  “the 
Tale  of  Alcinous”  (in  §  .5).  Peisistratus  put  a  period  to  these  distinc¬ 
tions  at  his  revision  of  the  text. 

II.  ii.  547.  The  compliment  is  intended  to  the  autochthoneity  of 
the  Athenians.  Pindar,  the  old  poem  called  the  Danais  (Harpoler.  s. 
AvToxdojv),  Euripides  (Ion.  21),  and  Apollodorus  (iii.  14,  6;  15,  1), 
name  Ericthonius,  son  of  Hephasstos  and  Gaia,  as  being  the  person 
brought  up  by  Athene.  Conf.  Plato  (Tima3us,  §  G).  But  the  Scholiast 
(IX.  ii.  546)  treats  them  as  the  same  person  under  two  names,  a  view 
now  generally  accepted.  Conf.  also  Etymologicon  Magn.  ’EpexBevQ, 
Blato  (Critias,  §  4),  Ovid  (Metam.  ii.  759),  and  Grote,  vol.  i.  pp.  271, 
278,  279. 

II.  ii.  552. 

The  lonr;  ships  were  vessels  of  war ;  the  round  ships,  merchantmen 
and  transports.  See  Smith’s  Dictionary  of  Antiquities. 

II.  ii.  577.  The  rei)uted  interpolation  of  Solon. 

Odys.  vii.  81. 


XXIV 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


XXIX.  After  inserting  these  lines  in  his  poems,  Homer 
])repaied  to  set  out  for  Greece,  and  passed  over  to  Samos  on 
his  way  thither.  The  Samians  were  employed  on  his  arrival 
in  celebrating  the  Apaturian  games.  An  inhabitant  of  Sa¬ 
mos,  who  had  seen  him  in  Chios,  observing  him  descending 
from  the  vessel,  ran  to  inform  his  countrymen  of  the  arrival 
of  the  poet,  whom  he  praised  most  enthusiastically.  The  Sa¬ 
mians  deputed  him  to  fetch  Homer.  He  immediately  reti’aced 
liis  steps,  and  meeting  Homer,  thus  addressed  him :  “  Chian 
host,  the  Samians  celebrate  the  Apaturian  festival:  the  citi- 
Eens  bid  you  to  the  feast.”  Homer  consented,  and  accom¬ 
panied  the  messenger. 

XXX.  During  their  walk,  they  encountered  some  women 
otfering  a  sacrifice  to  Kourotrophos.^^  The  priestess  observ¬ 
ing  him,  said  angrily  to  him,  “  Man,  get  thee  from  our  sacri¬ 
fices.”  Homer  reflected  a  while  on  these  words,  having  asked 
of  his  conductor  who  had  addressed  them  to  him,  and  to  what 
deity  they  sacrificed.  The  Samian  replied,  that  it  was  a 
woman  sacrificing  to  Kourotrophos.”  On  this,  Homer  com¬ 
posed  and  repeated  the  following  lines : 

“  Hear  my  prayer,  O  Kourotrophos  !  May  that  woman  ab¬ 
hor  the  caresses  of  amiable  youth  !  May  she  be  only  pleased 
by  those  of  men  whose  hair  is  white  with  age,  whose  heart  is 
burning,  and  whose  senses  are  blunted.”^® 

XXXI.  When  arrived  at  the  place  where  the  Phratrium 
feasted,  Homer  paused  on  the  threshold,  and  recited  these 
verses  to  his  conductor,  while  a  fire  was  kindling  in  the  hall : 
though  some  contend  that  the  fire  was  not  lighted  until  after- 
ward : 

“  A  man  is  proud  of  his  children ;  a  town  of  its  battle¬ 
ments  ;  a  plain  of  its  horses  ;  the  ocean  of  its  navies  riches 

Kourotrophos  is,  with  some  probability,  supposed  to  be  identical 
with  the  Roman  Lucina.  See  Larcher’s  note. 

These  verses  were  applied  by  Sophocles  to  a  scornful  mistress. 
Athen.  xiii.  p.  592,  A. 

An  ancient  British  inscription,  cut  in  wood,  and  given  by  the  Rev. 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


XXV 


ornament  the  house  ;  just  judges  seated  in  the  hall  of  justice, 
are  a  noble  spectacle ;  but  the  most  pleasant  sight,  in  my 
opinion,  is  that  of  a  burning  hre,  on  a  day  when  the  son  of 
Saturn  decks  the  ground  with  snow  and  frost.” 

He  entered,  and  seating  himself  with  the  Phratrium,  re¬ 
ceived  much  attention  and  respect  from  its  members.  Here 
he  passed  the  night. 

XXXII.  The  next  day  he  went  out.  Some  potters  having 
observed  him  while  they  were  mending  their  fire,  invited  him 
to  enter,  and  not  the  less  readily  from  having  a  knowledge  of 
his  talents.  They  entreated  him  to  sing  some  of  his  verses, 
promising  to  recompense  him  for  his  kindness  by  presenting 
him  with  some  of  their  vases,  or  in  any  other  way  they  could. 
Homer  sung  them  those  verses,  which  are  called  “  The  Poem 
of  the  Furnace:”^'’® 

“  Potters,  if  ye  bestow  on  me  the  stipulated  reward,  I 
will  sing  these  favorable  verses  to  you.^®  Hear  my  prayer, 
Athene,  protect  the  furnace.  Grant  that  the  cotylii  and  the 
baskets®*^  be  covered  with  a  shining  black  ;  may  they  also  bake 
quickly.  May  they  sell  for  much  in  the  Agora,  for  much  in 
the  street.  Grant,  O  goddess,  that  I  may  increase  in  wisdom. 
Put  if  you  shamelessly  endeavor  to  deceive  me,  I  invoke 
all  the  pests  of  your  trade,  the  Syntripi,  Asbeti,  Abacti,  and 
Omodami,^’^  on  your  furnace.  May  the  hearth  and  the  home 

Horne  (Bibliography,  vol.  i.  p,  105),  says,  Enivawg  meiciad  o’  i  voc. 
“The  swine-herd  is  proud  of  his  swine.” 

These  verses,  as  Jul.  Pollux  cites  them  (Onomastic,  x.  85,  p.  1284), 
are  entitled  Ktpajuac,  “The  clay-potters.”  That  grammarian  mentions 
that  some  attribute  them  to  Hesiod.  Mure  (Greek  Literature,  vol.  ii.  p. 
302)  cites  the  Song  of  the  Bell  of  Schiller,  as  resembling  this  poem. 

“May  the  following  happen  to  you.”  Athene  was  one  of  the 
tutelary  deities  of  the  potters,  as  a  patroness  of  the  arts. 

The  potters  made  vases  like  baskets  ;  hence  their  name. 

®  Syntinps  signifies  the  bruising  sustained  by  the  vases  in  ruhhing 
against  each  other ;  s?naragos,  the  noise  they  make  in  breaking ;  asbetos, 
is  an  inextinguishable  fire  in  the  work-shop;  abaktos,  the  consequent 
astonishment  of  the  potters;  and  omodamos,  the  annihilation  of  every 
thing. 


2 


XXVI 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


become  the  prey  of  the  flame,  and,  during  tlie  confusion  caused 
])y  the  fire,  may  nothing  be  heard  save  the  lamentations  of 
the  potters.  As  the  trembling  of  the  terrified  horse,  so  may 
be  that  of  the  furnace  at  the  bursting  of  the  vases.  Circe, 
dread  daughter  of  the  Sun,  celebrated  for  thy  many  enchant¬ 
ments,  poison  the  potters,  and  destroy  their  work.  And  thou, 
Cliiron,  bring  thy  dire  hosts  of  Centaurs^-  and  their  victims 
to  aid  in  the  destruction  of  these  places.  May  the  furnace 
fall  under  the  stroke  of  the  destroyers  !  may  the  potters,  to 
enliaiice  their  grief,  be  the  misei-able  spectators  of  the  fright¬ 
ful  scene  !  I  shall  rejoice  at  your  misfortunes  !  May  those  who 
approach  to  extinguish  the  dcunes,  be  consumed  by  the  fire, 
that  all  the  world  may  learn  not  to  commit  injustice.” 

XXXIII.  He  passed  the  winter  at  Samos.  At  the  Ne- 
omenia  [or  New  Moons]  he  frequented  the  houses  of  the  rich, 
where  he  sang  the  Eirisionic  hymn,^^  thus  earning  his  subsist¬ 
ence  during  his  visits,  he  was  usually  surrounded  by  the  chil¬ 
dren  of  the  most  noble  men  of  the  island. 

“We  directed  our  steps  toward  the  mansion  of  a  wealthy 
man,  full  of  precious  things.  Gates  fly  open  Plutos 

In  the  preceding  verse  we  read  TisWe  TrvpaiOovaav.  Barnes  corrects 
it  to  TrepOe  Trup  diOovGav,  and  his  correction  is  admitted  by  Reinolds. 
Circe,  daughter  of  Helios  (the  Sun),  was  herself  a  goddess,  and  is  paral¬ 
lel  to  Medeia.  According  to  Hesiod  (Theog.  1001)  she  had  two  chib 
dren  by  Odysseus,  Agrius  and  Latinus.  Conf.  A])ollod.  i.  9.  Strabo  v. 
Virgil,  Eel.  viii.  v.  70.  iEn.  iii.  v.  38G ;  vii.  v.  10.  Hygno  Jtib.  exxv. 
Ovid.  Metnm.  xiv.ya6.  i.  and  iv. 

The  Eirision  was  (Schol.  Aristoph.  Pint.  1055,  and  Equit.  725)  a 
branch  of  olive,  and  sometimes  of  laurel,  rolled  in  bandages  of  linen  en¬ 
twined.  To  the-  pendent  ends,  figs,  bread,  honey,  oil,  and  wine,  were 
fastened.  Clemens  Alex.  {Stromat.  iv.  p.  56t>)  says,  “The  Eirision 
carries  figs,  bread,  and  honey,  in  a  cotylus,  anointing  oil,  and  wine,  the 
enervating  vapor  of  which  inspires  gentle  slumber.”  Again,  in  a  frag¬ 
ment  of  the  Polyidus  of  Sophocles,  preserved  by  Poi-phyrius  {de  A  bsti- 
nentid,  ii.  §  19,  p.  134):  “We  see  there  the  wool  of  the  sheep,  the  li¬ 
quor  of  the  vine,  bunches  of  grapes,  grains  of  wheat,  oil,  and  artistically 
worked  veins  of  honey  and  wax  made  by  the  bees.”  See  also  (Edip. 
Colon.  475,  and  Mure,  ii.  362. 

“  Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye  gates.”  Psalm  xxiv.  7. 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


XXVll 


presents  himself,  accompanied  by  joyous  Mirth  and  gentle 
l^eace.  May  the  goblets  overflow,  may  the  flame  ascend 
from  the  hearth,  may  the  table  groan  under  its  plenteous  bur¬ 
den  !  May  the  wife  of  the  son  of  the  house  come  to  you 
drawn  by  mules,  and  in  a  chariot !  may  she,  seated  in  an  am¬ 
ber  chair,®^  joyfully  spin  her  wool !  I  shall  return,  yea,  I 
shall  return,  like  unto  the  swallow  every  year!*’®  I  am  at 
your  gate  1  <  Whether  you  present  me  with  any  thing  or  no, 
I  remain  not ;  I  purpose  not  to  live  with  you  I” 

These  verses  are  sung  every  time  tribute  is  levied  in  the 
honor  of  Apollo  Pythos.®J 

XXXiy.  The  spring  having  arrived,  Homer  desired  to 
leave  Samos  for  Athens.  He  sailed  for  that  place,  in  com¬ 
pany  with  some  Samians,  and  arrived  at  the  island  of  los.®® 
They  did  not  stop  at  the  town,  but  at  some  distance  off,  on 
the  sea-shore.  Homer,  feeling  himself  very  ill,  was  carried 
on  shore.  Contrary  winds  retarding  the  departure  of  the 
vessel,  the  travelers  remained  several  days  at  anchor.  Some 
of  the  inhabitants  visited  Homer,  and  they  no  sooner  heard 
him  speak  than  they  felt  a  great  degree  of  veneration  for  him. 

XXXV.  While  the  sailors  and  the  townspeople  were 
speaking  with  Homer,  some  fishermen’s  children  ran  their 
vessel  on  shore,  and  descending  to  the  sands,  addressed  these 

The  Eridanus,  whence  the  electron  (amber)  was  brought,  was  not 
then  sufficiently  known,  and  perhaps  these  are  wrongly  ascribed  to  Ho¬ 
mer.  See  Plin.  Hist.  Nat.  xxvii.  2;  Humboldt’s  Cosmos,  vol.  ii.  p. 
493,  n.  (Bohn’s  edition) ;  Gesner  de  Electro  veterum  in  Commentar, 
Societatis  Regioe  Gottingensis  (tom.  iii.  p.  85);  Smith,  Grecian  Antiqui¬ 
ties,  Herod,  iii.  115  ;  Sophocles  (Antig.  v.  1033) ;  and  Buttmann,  My- 
ihologns  (vol.  ii.  p.  337). 

Conf.  Aristoph.  Equit.  v.  41 G. 

In  the  Greek  religious  calendar,  the  first  days  of  the  months  were 
always  sacred  to  Apollo  ;  and  that  festival  (the  Neomenia)  was  one  of 
the  most  popular  in  every  age  of  classical  antiquity.  Hesiod,  Works 
and  Days,  770 ;  Herod,  iv.  35,  and  vi.  57 ;  Philock.  ap.  Scholl,  min.  et 
Scholl.  Buhm.  ad  Odyss.  xx.  155;  xxi.  258;  Mure,  vol.  i.  p.  381,  and 
Larcher’s  note  on  Herod,  iv.  35. 

The  present  Nio. 


XXVlll 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


words  to  the  assembled  persons:  “Hear  us,  strangers,  ex¬ 
plain  our  riddle  if  ye  can.”  Then  some  of  those  that  were 
present  ordered  them  to  speak.  “We  leave,”  say  they, 
“  what  we  take,  and  we  carry  with  us  that  which  we  can 
not  take.”  No  one  being  able  to  solve  the  enigma,  they  thus 
expounded  it.  “  Having  had  an  unproductive  fishery,”  say 
they  in  explanation,  “  we  sat  down  on  the  sand,  and  being 
annoyed  by  the  vermin,  left  the  fish  we  had  taken  on  the 
shore,  takin"  with  us  the  vermin  we  could  not  catch. Flo- 
mer,  on  hearing  this,  made  these  verses:  “  Children,  your  fa¬ 
thers  possess  neither  ample  heritages,  nor  numerous  flocks.” 

XXXVI.  Homer  died  in  los  of  the  disease  he  had  con¬ 
tracted  on  h's  arrival,  and  not,  as  some  authors  have  related 
[caring  more  for  interest  than  truth],  of  grief  at  not  under¬ 
standing  the  enigma  of  the  fisher-boys.^®  Fie  was  buried 
near  the  shore  of  the  island  of  los,  by  his  companions,  and 
those  citizens  who  had  visited  him  during  his  illness.  Many 

The  enigma  is  founded  on  the  distinction  made  by  the  ancients  be¬ 
tween  having  and  possessing,  which  Plato  (Theaetet.  §  12G)  causes  Socra¬ 
tes  to  define.  “  To  jwssess,  therefore,  does  not  appear  to  me  to  be  the 
same  as  to  have;  for  instance,  if  any  one,  having  bought  a  garment, 
and  having  it  in  liis  power,  should  not  wear  it,  we  should  not  say  that 
he  has  it,  but  that  he  possesses  it.”  Cary’s  trans.  vol.  i.  p.  348,  Bohn’s 
Classical  Library.  Similarly  our  own  poet  wrote  (Othello,  iv.  1),  “  They 
have  it  very  oft  that  have  it  not,”  where  the  word  is  used  in  two  differ¬ 
ent  senses.  Somewhat  akin  to  it  is  the  riddle  alluded  to  by  Plato,  Rep. 
V.  c.  22.  Lactantius  has  translated  this  Homeric  enigma  into  Latin, 
Symposium,  tom.  ii.  p.  255. 

The  following  passage  occurs  in  Pseudo-Plutarch’s  Life  of  Homer. 
“  He  was  warned  by  an  oracle  to  beware  of  the  young  mer^s  riddle.  The 
meaning  of  this  remained  long  unexplained  to  him,  till  he  arrived  at  the 
island  of  los;  there,  as  he  sat  conversing  with  the  fishermen,  some  of 
them  proposed  a  riddle  in  verse  to  him,  and,  not  comprehending  it,  he 
died  of  grief.”  Pope,  in  his  Introductory  Essay,  says,  “The  story  re¬ 
futes  itself,  by  carrying  superstition  at  one  end,  and  folly  at  the  other. 
It  seems  conceived  with  an  air  of  derision,  to  lay  a  great  man  in  the 
dust  after  a  foolish  manner."  This  comj)letely  sets  the  question  of  the 
authenticity  of  this  Life  at  rest,  since  the  writer  plainly  refers  to  this  idle 
tale,  recorded  by  an  author  of  so  much  later  date. 


THE  LIFE  OF  HOMER. 


XXIX 


years  after,  when  his  poems,  become  public,  were  admired 
by  all,  the  inhabitants  of  los  inscribed  these  elegiacs  on  his 
tomb  ;  they  are  certainly  not  composed  by  himself. 

“The  earth  here  covers  the  head  of  divine  Homer, 

WHOSE  POETRY  HAS  IMMORTALIZED  HEROES.”'^ 

XXXVII.  It  may  be  seen  from  what  1  have  said,  thai. 
Homer  was  neither  a  Dorian,  nor  of  the  island  of  los,  but  an 
Hilolian.'^^  This  may  also  be  conjectured  from  the  great  poet 
only  speaking  of  [what  he  thinks]  the  most  admirable  cus¬ 
toms,  and  he  would  naturally  suppose  those  of  his  own  coun¬ 
try  to  be  the  best.'^  It  may  be  judged  from  these  verses: 

“They  raise  the  heads  of  the  oxen  toward  heaven,  cut  their 
throats,  and  sever  them  in  pieces ;  they  separate  the  thighs, 
and  place  over  them  a  double  layer  of  fat,  and  bleeding  mor¬ 
sels  from  every  part  of  the  victim. The  kidneys  are  not 
mentioned  here,  the  Hilolians  being  the  only  people  of  Greece 
who  do  not  burn  them.  Homer  also  shows  his  ^olian  de¬ 
scent  in  the  following  verses,  there  again  describing  the  cus¬ 
toms  of  that  country : 

“  The  elder  burns  the  sacrifice  on  the  wood  of  the  altar, 
pouring  over  it  libations  of  wine.  The  youths  stand  around 
holding  five-barred  gridirons.”’-^ 

The  ^olians  are  the  only  people  of  Greece  who  roast  the 
entrails  on  yiPe-barred  gridirons,  those  of  the  other  Greeks 

The  translation  of  Grotius  is  as  ftillows  : 

“Ista  tegit  telliim  sacrum  caput  illud  Homeri 
Cantibus  Heroum  qui  res  ccelestibus  aequat.” 

Simonides  of  Keos  calls  Homer  a  Chian.  Fragm.  GS),  ed.Schneb 
dewin. 

Exactly  the  idea  of  Herodotus,  iii.  33. 

II.  i.  459,  and  ii.  422.  Victims  were  various!}'  sacrificed.  In  sac¬ 
rificing  to  the  celestial  deities  they  raised  the  heads  of  the  victims,  while 
they  immolatttd  them  to  the  infernal  gods  with  their  heads  down.  The 
Grecian  ceremonies  differed  widely  from  the  Jewish,  but  much  resem¬ 
bled  the  Roman,  of  which  they  formed  the  basis.  The  thighs  and  small 
pieces  “from  every  part,”  were  burned,  the  rest  roasted  in  slices  like  the 
Orientid  Kabobs.  See  Smith’s  Dictionary  of  Antiquities. 

II.  i.  463. 


XXX 


THE  LIFE  OF  HO.HER. 


having  but  three.  The  JEolians  also  say  Tri^ire  for  ■kevt!- 
[five]. 

XXXVIII.  I  have  now  concluded  that  which  concerns  the 
birth,  life,  and  death  of  Homer.  It  remains  for  me  to  de¬ 
termine  the  time  at  which  he  lived.  This  is  most  easily  done 
in  the  following  manner.  The  island  of  Lesbos  was  not  col¬ 
onized’®  till  the  hundred  and  thirtieth  year  after  the  Trojan 
war,  and  eighteen  years  subsequently  Smyrna  was  built  by 
the  CumaBans.  At  this  time  Homer  was  born.”  From  the 
birth  of  the  poet  to  the  passage  of  Xerxes  into  Greece,  six 
hundred  and  twenty-two  years  elapsed.  The  course  of  time 
may  easily  be  calculated  by  a  reference  to  the  Archonships. 
It  is  thus  proved  that  Homer  was  born  one  hundred  and  six- 
ty-eight  years  after  the  taking  of  Troy. 

It  was  not,  however,  destitute  of  inhabitants,  for  the  Pelasgi,  driven 
from  Thessaly  (n.c.  1540)  by  Deucalion,  settled  there.  Dionys.  llali- 
carn.  Antiq.  Roman,  i.  §  18.  The  Alolians  arrived  b.c.  1140,  and  as 
the  Pelasgi  lived  in  wandering  tribes,  they  were  soon  reduced. 

'''  See  niinton  Fasti  Hellen.  vol.  iii.  }).  146.  Conf.  Grote’s  Animad¬ 
versions  on  Clinton,  Hist,  of  Greece,  vol.  ii.  part  i.  chap.  xix.  pp.  47-78. 


THE  ODYSSEY  OF  HOMER. 


B  O  O  K  I. 

ARGUMENT. 

In  an  assembly  of  the  gods  it  is  determined  that  Ulysses  shall  be  sent  to 
Ithaca,  from  the  island  of  Calypso.  Minerva  then  goes  to  Ithaca  to 
Telemachus,  assuming  the  figure  of  Mentes,  king  of  the  Taphians,  an 
old  friend  of  Ulysses.  Entering  into  conversation  with  Telemachus, 
she  advises  him  to  go  to  Pylos,  to  Nestor,  and  to  Menelaus,  at  Sparta, 
to  make  inquiries  about  his  father,  whether  he  is  still  alive ;  after 
which  she  departs,  giving  manifest  proofs^  of  her  divinity.  Telema¬ 
chus  rebukes  his  mother  Penelope,  and  desires  her  to  go  up  stairs ; 
and  then,  during  a  banquet,  threatens  the  suitors  that  he  will  be  re¬ 
venged  on  them  for  their  insolent  conduct. 

O  IMuse,^  sing  to  me  of  the  man  full  of  resources,  who 
wandered  very  much  after  he  had  destroyed  the  sacred  city  of 
Troy',  and  saw  the  cities  of  many  men,  and  learned  their  man- 
ners.2  Many'  griefs  also  in  his  mind  did  he  suffer  on  the  sea, 
although^  seeking  to  preserve^  his  own  life,  and  the  return  of 
his  companions;  but  not  even  thus,  although  anxious,  did  he 
extricate^  his  companions  :  for  they  perished  by  their  own  in¬ 
fatuation,  fools  !  who  devoured  the  oxen  of  the  Sun  who  jour-' 

'  Thus  rendered  by  Horace,  A.  P.  141,  “Die  mihi,  Musa,  virum, 
vapta;  post  moenia  Trojas  Qui  mores  liominum  multorum  vidit  et  urbes.’’ 
See  Schrader  on  Mus.  j).  121,  sq. 

■  I  have  translated  voov  “manners,”  on  the  authority  of  Horace. 

*  TTfjO  quando  participiis  ])ostponitur,  reddi  j)otest  per  quarnvis.  Loewe. 

*  df}vvj.iai  =  expeto,  nnxie  require.  Clarke.  There  is  a  sort  of  zeug 
tna,  “seeking  to  ransom  or  buy  off  his  own  life,  and  [to  procure]  a  re¬ 
turn  for  his  companions.”  Hor.  Ejast.  i.  2.  18,  “Dumsibi,  dum  socii 
ri'ditum  ])arat.” 

‘  Literally,  “to  draw  away.”  Sec  Buttmann,  Lexil.p.  303-308,  Fish- 
lake’s  Translation. 


A 


2 


ODYSSEY.  I. 


[9—40. 


neys  on  high  ;  but  he  deprived  them  of  their  return.^  O  god¬ 
dess,  daughter  of  Jove,  relate  to  us  also  some"  of  these  things. 

Now  all  the  others,®  as  many  as  had  escaped  from  utter 
destruction,  were  at  home,  having  escaped  both  the  war  and 
the  sea.  But  him  alone,  anxious  for  a  return  [home],  and  for 
his  wife,  the  venerable  nymph  Calypso,  a  divine  one  of  the 
goddesses,  detained  in  her  hollow  grot,  desiring  him  to  be  her 
husband.  But  when,  after  revolving  years,®  the  time  had  now 
arrived,  in  which  the  gods  destined  him  to  return  home  to 
Ithaca,  not  even  then  was  he  freed  from  labors,  although 
among  his  own  friends.  But  all  the  gods  pitied  him  except 
Neptune  ;  but  he  was  unceasingly  angry  with  godlike  Ulysses, 
before  he  arrived  in  his  own  land.  But  he  [Neptune]  had  gone 
to  the  ^Ethiopians  who  dwell  afar  otF  (the  Ethiopians  who 
are  divided  into  two  parts,  the  most  distant  of  men,  some  at 
the  setting  of  the  sun,  others  at  the  rising),  in  order  to  obtain^® 
a  hecatomb  of  bulls  and  lambs.  There  sitting  down  he  was 
delighted  with  a  feast;  but  the  other  [gods]  were  assembled 
together  in  the  palace  of  Olympian  Jove.  And  unto  them 
the  father  of  men  and  of  gods  began  discourse  ;  for  he  re¬ 
membered  in  his  mind  the  noble  Egisthus,  whom  far-famed 
Orestes,  the  son  of  Agamemnon,  slew  :  and  remembering  him, 
he  spoke  [these]  words  to  the  immortals. 

“Alas!^^  How,  forsooth,  do  mortals  reproach  the  gods! 
For  they  say  that  their  evils  are  from  us  :  whereas  they  them¬ 
selves,  through  their  own  infatuation,  suffer  griefs  beyond 
what  is  destined.  Thus  even  now  iEgisthus,  contrary  to  the 
degrees  of  fate,  married  the  wedded  wife  of  Atrides,  and  slew 
him  on  his  return,  although  aware  that  utter  destruction 
[awaited  himself]  ;  since  we  forewarned  him  (having  sent 
the  trusty  IMereury,  the  slayer  of  Argus),  neither  to  kill  him, 
nor  to  woo  his  wife ;  for  from  Orestes  revenge  shalD''^  follow 

®  Literally,  ‘‘the  day  of  return.” 

’  a/xodiv,  TToBkv,  Hesyeli.  “  ab  aliqna  parte.” 

®  i.  e.  of  the  Grecian  princes. 

®  This  is  the  genitive  absolute,  and  so  translated  by  Virgil’s  “  volven- 
tibus  annis.” 

avTWMv  is  the  Attic  future,  as  shown  by  Buttni.  Lexil.  p.  142. 

”  A  word  used  by  the  Dryopians  and  Scythians  to  signify  gods  (cf. 
Alberti  on  Ilesych.  s.  v.),  and  hence  used  as  a  term  of  surprise  or  dep¬ 
recation.  (TxtTXiarTTiKov  tTTippijfia.  Schol. 

Jove  quotes  the  very  words  of  Mercury,  which  accounts  fur  the 
bold  change  of  tense.  See  Ernesti. 


41—73.] 


ODYSSEY.  I. 


3 


for  Atrides,  when  he  grows  to  man’s  estate,  and  longs  for  his 
country.  Thus  spoke  Mercury ;  but  although  he  gave  good 
advice,  he  did  not  persuade  the  mind  of  -Tlgisthus ;  but  now 
has  he  at  once  atoned  for  all  these  things.” 

The  blue-eyed'^  goddess  Minerva  then  answered  him;  “O 
father  mine,  thou  son  of  Saturn,  higliest  of  kings,  of  a  truth 
he  lias  perished  by  a  fitting  destruction  ;  so  too  may  another 
jierish  who  perpetrates  such  deeds.  But  my  heart  burns''* 
for  the  prudent'^  ill-fated  Ulysses,  who,  away  from  his  friends 
for  a  long  time,  is  suffering  calamities  in  a  sea-girt  island^ 
where  is  the  centre'®  of  the  sea,  a  Avoody  island :  and  in  her 
mansion  a  goddess  dwells,  the  daughter  of  all-wise  Atlas, 
who  kens  the  depths  of  the  whole  sea,  and  holds  up  the  lofty 
columns  which  separate  the  earth  and  the  heaven ;  but  his 
daughter  detains  [Ulysses]  i.nhappy,  lamenting :  and  she  con- 
tinually  soothes  him  with  soft  and  winning  words,  that  he 
may  forget  Ithaca.  But  Ulysses,  longing  to  behold  even  the 
smoke  leaping  up  from  his  own  land,  desires  to  die.  Nor  docs 
thy  heart,  O  Olympian  [Jove],  at  all  turn  toward  him.  Did 
not  then  Ulysses  gratify  thee,  performing  sacrifices  in  spacious 
Troy  near  the  ships  of  the  Argives  ?  Why  then,  O  Jove,  art 
thou  so  angry  with  him 

But  her  the  cloud-compelling  Jove  in  answer  addressed ; 
“My  child,  what  word  has  escaped  thy  lipsT^  How  could  I 
forget  divine  Ulysses,  who  excels  among  mortals  in  under^ 
standing,  and  has  abundantly  given  sacrifice  to  the  immortal 
gods,  Avho  possess  the  wide  heaven  ?  But  earth-possessing 
Neptune  is  for  ever  immovably  angry  on  account  of  the  Cy¬ 
clops,'®  whose  eye  he  blinded,  the  godlij^e  Polyphemus,  whose 
power  is  greatest  among  all  the  Cyclops :  him  the  nymph 
Thbosa  brought  forth,  the  d;iughter  of  Phorcys,  ruler  of  the 
barren  sea,  embraced  by  Neptune  in  a  hollow  cave.  On  this 

”  This  translation  is  rather  conventional  than  correct.  The  true 
meaning  of  yXavKoi,  for  which  we  have  no  direct  ecinivalent  in  English, 
is  “c£Esii,  quales  sunt  felis,  leonis,  et  noctuae  ocnli,”  accovding  to  Plin. 
H.  N.  viii.  21.  See  Loewe. 

So  Virgil,  “  lixW'A  fiamviato  secum  dea  corde  volutans,” 

I  have  followed  Buttmann,  p.  211,  who  says  that  dcci^poiv  must  bear 
this  sense  throughout  the  Odyssey.  In  the  HUd  2.  ai’iiost  always  means 
“  v.'arlike.” 

Literally,  “navel-” 

Literally,  ‘‘the  inclosui-e  of  thy  teeth.” 


See  Od.  IX. 


4 


ODYSSEY.  I. 


[;74— 107, 


account,  then,  does  earth-shaking  Neptune  not  kill  Ulysses, 
but  causes  him  to  wander  from  his  native  land.  But  come, 
let  all  of  us  contrive  his  return,  in  what  way  he  may  come, 
and  Neptune  remit  his  anger ;  for  he  will  not  indeed  be  able 
against  the  will  of  all  the  immortal  gods,  to  contend  alone 
ngainst  all. 

Then  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  answered  him :  O 
father  mine,  thou  son  of  Saturn,  highest  of  kings,  if  indeed 
then  this  is  grateful  to  the  blessed  gods  that  prudent  Ulysses 
should  return  home,  let  us  immediately  dispatch  the  messen¬ 
ger  ^  Mercury,  the  slayer  of  Argus,  to  the  island  Ogygia,  that 
he  may  with  all  haste  declare  to  the  fair-haired  nymph  our 
unerring  counsel,  the  return  of  patient  Ulysses,  that  he  may 
return  home.  But  I  will  go  to  Ithaca,  that  I  may  rouse  his 
son  more,  and  give  strength  to  his  mind,  calling  the  long¬ 
haired  Grecians  to  an  assembly,  to  forbid  all  the  suitors,  who 
are  continually  killing  his  tender  sheep,  and  curved-footed, 
crooked-horned  oxen.  And  I  will  send  him  to  Sparta  and  to 
sandy  Pylos,  to  nquire  for  the  return  of  his  dear  father,  if  he 
can  any  where  hear  of  him,  and  that  a  good  reputation  among 
men  may  fall  to  his  lot.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  she  bound  under  her  feet  her  sandals, 
beautiful,  ambrosial,'-'^  golden,  which  bore  her  both  over  the 
moist  wave,  and  over  the  boundless  earth,  equally  with-^  the 
gales  of  the  wind.  And  she  took  a  doughty  spear,  tipped 
with  sharp  brass,  heavy,  large,  thick,  with  which  she  subdues 
the  ranks  of  heroes,  against  whom  she,  born  of  a  brave  sire,  is 
wrath.  And  she  went  darting  down  from  the  summit  of  Olym¬ 
pus,  and  stood  among  the  people  of  Ithaca,  at  the  portico  of 
Ulysses,  at  the  threshold  of  the  hall ;  and  in  her  hand  she  held 
a  brazen  spear,  likened  to  a  stranger  JMentes,  the  governor  of 
the  Taphians.  There  she  found  the  haughty  suitors  ;  some 
then  were  delighting  their  mind  before  the  gates  with  drafts,-- 

The  most  natural  derivation  of  oiaKTopog  is  from  dictyuj,  “  trnnsveho,” 
alluding  to  .Mcu-curv’s  office  of  escorting  the  dead  to  Hades.  Buttmann, 
however,  is  inclined  to  consider  it  as  akin  to  ^tdicovog  =  “servant  of  the 
gods.”  So  Mercury  is  called  ^aifxoi^ioi’  SiaKovog  by  A^sch.  Prom.  t)t2. 
So  Horace,  “  te  canam,  magni  Jovis  ct  deorum  mmtiiim.”  Loewe  in¬ 
clines  to  the  former  of  these  opinions. 

i.  e.  immortal.  Cf.  Buttmann,  Lex.  p.  80,  sip 

“  Ha])ido  punVcr  cum  flamine  ])ortant.”  \^irg.  An.  iv.  24-1. 

See  Liddell’s  Lexicon.  It  a])}>ears  from  Atheiueus  that  the  chief  fun 


108— 135.] 


ODYSSEY.  I. 


5 


sitting  upon  hides  of  oxen,  which  they  themselves  had  slain. 
Tiicre  with  tlieni  were  heralds  and  busy  servants  ;  some  mixed 
wine  and  water  in  the  cups,  but  others  cleansed  the  tables  with 
much-perforated  sponges,  and  set  them  out,  and  cut  up  much 
meat.  Her  did  godlike  Telemachus  see  much  the  first,  for 
he  sat  among  the  suitors  sorrowing  in  his  heart,  eying'^^  in 
his  mind  Ids  excellent  father,  if  coming  from  any  where  he 
should  make  a  scattering  of  the  suitors  in  the  house,  and 
should  obtain  honor  himself  and  rule  over  his  halls.  Medi¬ 
tating  on  these  things,  while  sitting  among  the  suitors,  he  be¬ 
held  Minerva.  He  then  went  straight  to  the  portico,  and  was 
indignant  in  mind  that  a  stranger  should  stand  at  the  gates 
for  a  long  time.  And  standing  near  her,  he  took  hold  of  her 
"ight  hand,  and  received  her  brazen  spear ;  and  addressing 
her,  [thus]  spoke  winged  words. 

“  W^elcome,  stranger ;  thou  shalt  be  kindly  received  by  us, 
but  after  thou  hast  obtained  thy  supper,  thou  shalt  then  re¬ 
late  what  it  behooves  thee.'’ 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  led  the  way,  and  Pallas  Minerva 
followed.  And  when  they  were  within  the  lofty  house,  he  took 
lier  spear,  and  placed  it  against  a  tall  column  within  the  well- 
polished  armory,  where  also  stood  many  other  spears  of  pa¬ 
tient  Ulysses:  and  leading  her  he  seated  her  on  a  beauteous, 
variegated  throne,  spreading  a  cloth^^  under  her ;  and  there 
was  a  footstool  beneath  her  feet.  And  he  himself  placed  near 
lier  a  variously-worked  seat,  apart  from  the  other^^  suitors, 
for  fear  the  stranger,  being  troubled  with  the  clamor,  should 
be  uncomfortable  at  his  meal,  coming  among  haughty  men, 
and  that  he  might  inquire  of  him'-^®  concerning  his  absent  sire. 

of  the  game  consisted  in  driving  one  piece,  called  Penelope,  which  was 
]jlaced  between  the  two  halves  of  something  like  a  modern  backgammon 
board,  twice  out  of  its  place  by  means  of  another.  The  winner  was 
supposed  to  have  some  chance  of  gaining  Penelope. 

Shakspeare,  “in  my  mind’s  eye.”  So  Buttmann  renders  Od.  V. 
81,  ’0^u(T//a  oarijonevr],  “having  Ulysses  always  in  her  mind’s  eye.” 
Lex.  j).  445. 

Xira  is  shown  by  Wolf  to  be  the  plural  number,  therefore  the  e})i- 
thets  must  belong  to  Opovov.  See  Loewe. 

*  This  does  not  mean  that  he  was  himself  a  suitor,  but  is  a  phrase 
common  in  Greek.  So  Milton, 

- Adam,  goodliest  of  men 

Since  born  his  sons,  etc. 

Minerva  has  hitherto  been  mentioned  in  the  feminine  gender,'  but 


6 


ODYSSEY.  I. 


[13G— 1G7. 


And  a  handmaid  bringing  water,  poured  it  fi-oin  a  beautiful 
golden  ewer,  over  a  silver  bowl,  to  wash  in  ;  and  near  them 
spread  a  polished  table.  And  the  venerable  housekeeper 
brought  bread  and  set  it  near  them,  laying  down  many  dain¬ 
ties, gratifying  them  as  well  as  she  could  out  of  the  pro¬ 
visions  that  were  at  hand.  And  the  cook  taking  dishes  of 
all  kinds  of  meat,  placed  them  near,  and  by  their  side  set 
golden  cups.  And  the  herald  went  about  continually  pouring 
out  wine  for  them.  And  the  haughty  suitors  entered  ;  they 
then  sat  down  in  order  among  the  couches  and  thrones:  and 
the  heralds  poured  water  on  their  hands ;  [and  they  distribu¬ 
ted  to  all  beginning  with  the  cups.]^^  And  the  handmaidens 
heaped  up  bread  in  the  baskets  ;  but  they  stretched  forth  their 
hands  to  the  viands  lying  ready  before  them,  and  the  boys 
crowned  the  goblets  with  liquor.  But  when  the  suitors  had 
taken  away  the  desire  of  eating  and  drinking,  other  things 
were  a  care  to  their  minds,  the  song  and  the  dance ;  for  these 
are  the  ornaments  of  a  banquet.  Then  the  herald  placed  a 
beautiful  harp  in  the  hands  of  Fhemius,  who  sung  among  the 
suitors  by  constraint.  He  then,  playing  on  the  harp,  struck 
up29  to  sing  beautifully  ;  but  Telemachus  addressed  the  blue¬ 
eyed  Minerva,  keeping  his  head  near  her,  that  the  others 
might  not  hear. 

“  Dear  stranger,  wilt  thou  be  angry  wdth  me  on  account  of 
what  I  shall  say  ?  To  these,  these  things,  the  harp  and  the 
song,  are  a  care,  easily,  forsooth,  since  they  are  consuming 
with  impunity  the  livelihood  of  another  man,  whose  white 
bones  are  rotting  somewhere  in  the  shower,  lying  on  the  con¬ 
tinent,  or  the  wave  rolls  them  in  the  sea.  If,  however,  they 
were  to  see  him  returning  to  Ithaca,  they  would  all  pray  to  be 
swifter  of  foot  than  richer^o  in  gold  and  raiment.  But  now 
he  has  thus  perished  by  an  evil  late,  nor  is  there  any  comfort 
for  us,  even  if  any  one  of  men  on  earth  should  say  that  he 

Telemachus  now  addresses  her  as  Mentes,  whereas  Homer  before  spoke 
of  him  as  a  goddess. 

tidara, pulmenta,  quicquid  cum  pane  et  came  comeditur.”  Loewe. 

A  doubtful  verse.  It  is,  however,  ju'ctty  certain  that  tirap^aaBai  is 
used  in  a  religious  sense,  =  “axispicari,”  “by  drinking  in  honor  of  the 
gods.”  See  Buttm.  Lexil.  p.  1G7,  sqq. 

avaftdXXo/jiai  =  “to  play  the  prelude,”  hence  ‘‘  to  commence  to  do 
any  thing.” 

Observe  the  two  comparatives. 


1CS~207.] 


ODYSSEY.  I. 


i 

would  come  back  ;  for  his  return  is  lost.  But  come,  tell  me 
this  and  detail  it  truly;  Who  art  thou?  from  whence  among 
men?  where  are  tliy  city  and  thy  parents?  in  what  kind  of  a 
ship  didst  thou  come?  and  how  did  sailors  conduct  thee  to 
Ithaca?  who  do  they  boast  themselves  to  be?  for  I  do  not 
think  that  thou  didst  by  any  means  come  hither  on  foot.  And 
tell  me  this  truly,  that  I  may  be  well  informed ;  whether  art 
thou  just  now  arrived,  or  art  thou  a  guest  of  my  fatlier’s? 
since  many  other  men  are  acquainted  with  our  house ;  for  he 
was  conversant  with  men.” 

But  him  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  addressed  in  turn ; 
‘‘I  will  tell  thee  then,  indeed,  these  things  very  accurately; 
I  say  that  I  am^i  Mentes,  the  son  of  the  warlike  Anchialus, 
and  I  rule  over  the  oar-loving  Taphians.  And  I  am  now 
come  hither  with  my  ship  and  my  companions,  sailing  over 
the  dark  sea  to  men  of  a  different  language,  to  Temese,  for 
brass;  and  I  [also]  bring  shining  steel.  But  my  ship  is 
stationed  off  the  country  at  a  distance  from  the  city,  in  the 
port  Reithru.s,  under  woody  Neius.  But  we  say  that  we  are 
guests  of  one  another’s  fathers  from  the  first,  if  thou  shouldest 
go  and  inquire  of  the  old  hero  Laertes ;  whom  they  say  no 
longer  comes  to  the  city,  but  far  off  in  the  country  endures 
griefs  in  company  with  an  old  female  servant,  who  sets  before 
him  meat  and  drink,  when  labor  comes  upon  his  limbs,  crawl¬ 
ing  over  the  fruitful  soil  of  the  wine-producing  vineyard. 
But  now  1  am  come ;  for  they  for  a  long  time  said  that  thy 
father  is  returned ;  but  now  the  gods  hinder  him  on  his  jour' 
ney :  for  divine  Ulysses  has  not  yet  died  on  the  earth,  but  is 
still  detained  alive  somewhere  on  the  wide  ocean,  in  a  sea-girt 
island  ;  and  cruel  men  are  detaining  him,  savage,  who  keep  him 
away  somewhere  against  his  will.  But  now,  indeed,  I  will 
prophesy  to  thee,  as  the  immortals  suggest  to  my  mind ;  and 
as  I  think  will  be  brought  to  pass,  not  being  at  all  a  prophet, 
nor  skilled  in  omens  by  birds.  He  will  be  absent  not  a  long 
time  from  his  dear  fatherland,  even  if  bonds  of  steel  hold 
him ;  but  he  will  plan  how  he  may  return,  since  he  is  full  of 
contrivances.  But  come,  tell  me  this  and  detail  it  truly, 
whether  thou,  who  art  of  such  an  age,^'^  art  of  a  truth  the  son 

(vxojxai  aivai=  “sum,”  So  in  vs.  187.  The  sense  of  boasting  is 
laid  aside  in  this  usage.  Loewe. 

**  ‘•'■tain  adultus  juvenis.  The  Attic  writers  use  TijXiKovrog  and  tjjXi- 
Koode  in  the  same  sense.”  Loewe. 


8 


ODYSSEY.  I. 


[208— 23a 


of  Ulysses  himself:  for  thou  art  exceedingly  like  him,  as  to 
thy  head  and  thy  beauteous  eyes ;  since  we  frequently  kept 
company  with  one  another  before  he  embarked  for  Troy,  wliere 
also  others,  the  best  of  the  Argives,  went  in  their  hollow 
ships;  but  since  that  time  I  have  neither  seen  Ulysses,  nor 
has  he  [seen]  me.” 

But  her  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn :  “  I  will 
inform  thee,  O  stranger,  very  accurately ;  my  mother,  indeed, 
says  that  I  am  his,  but  I  know  not ;  for  no  one  ever  knew  his 
own  father.  O  would  that  I  were  the  son  of  a  happy  man, 
upon  whom  old  age  had  come  [when]  in  the  enjoyment  of  his 
possessions ;  but  now  they  say  that  I  was  born  from  him,  who  is 
the  most  ill-fated  of  mortal  men ;  since  thou  askest  this  of  me.” 

l^ut  him  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  again  addressed  ; 
“The  gods  indeed  have  not  ordained  thy  race  to  be  ignoble 
hereafter ;  since  Penelope  has  borne  thee  such.  But  come, 
tell  me  this  and  relate  it  truly,  What  feast  and  what  assembly 
is  this?  what  necessity  urges  you?  is  it  a  banquet  or  a  mar¬ 
riage?  since  this  is  not  a  collation  for  they  seem  to  me, 
being  exceedingly^^  insolent,  to  banquet  in  the  house,  and  any 
prudent  man,  coming  among  them,  would  be  wrath,  behold¬ 
ing  many  disgraceful  things.” 

But  her  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn  :  “  O  stran¬ 
ger,  since  thou  askest  and  inquirest  these  things  of  me,  this 
house  formerly  promised  to  be^^  rich  and  illustrious,  while 
that  man  was  still  at  home ;  but  now  the  gods  have  willed-^^ 
it  otherwise,  planning  evil  things,  who  have  made  him  to  be 
unseen  above  all  men  ;  since  I  should  not  grieve  so  mucli 
for  him  when  dead,  had  he  been  overcome  with  his  compan¬ 
ions  among  the  Trojans,  or  in  the  hands  of  his  friends,  aft¬ 
er  he  had  brought  the  war  to  an  end  then  indeed  all  the 

’Epavog,  a  convivial  meeting  at  which  every  man  paid  his  propor¬ 
tion,  at  least  contributed  something.  But  it  seems  to  have  beeu  a  meet* 
ing  at  which  strict  propriety  was  observed  :  else  Fallas  would  not  have 
inferred  from  the  noise  and  riot  of  this  that  it  was  not  such  an  one. 
Cowper. 

See  Buttmann,  Lcxil.  p.  516,  sq.  Whatever  the  adjective  may 
signify  in  various  ])laces,  the  adverb  vTTtp(pid\u}p  seems  to  simply  increase 
the  sense,  without  expressing  any  specific  idea  of  reproach. 

Literally,  “was  about  to  be.” 

On  the  form  IfSuXovTo,  see  Thiersch,  Gk.  Gr.  p.  492,31.  ed.  Sand- 
ford,  and  Buttmann,  Lexil.  j).  196. 

^  Literally,  “spun  out.”  p.iTa^opiKii)Q'  kgI  yap  Tt)v  tujv  ipiuiv  ruit 
fl^T]  KUTtipyaafiiviov  elXijaip  toXv-k/jv  Xiyojxtv.  Schol. 


239—276.] 


ODYSSEY.  I. 


9 


Greeks  would  have  made  him  a  tomb,  and  he  would  have 
obtained  great  glory  for  his  son  hereafter;  but  now  the  Har¬ 
pies  have  snatched  him  away  ingloriously :  he  is  gone  unseen, 
unheard  of,  and  has  left  })ains  and  groanings  for  me.  Nor 
do  I  lament  and  grieve  for  him  alone  any  longer ;  since  the 
gods  have  contrived  other  evil  cares  for  me.  For  as  many 
chiefs  as  govern  the  islands,  Dulichium,  Samos,  and  woody 
Zacynthus,  and  as  many  as  rule  over  craggy  Ithaca,  so  many 
are  wooing  my  mother  and  wasting  away  my  estate.  But 
she  neither  refuses  the  hateful  marriage,  nor  can  she  bring 
it  to  a  conclusion  ;  but  they  are  consuming  my  estate,  and 
waste  it  away,  and  they  will  soon  destroy  myself  to  boot.*^’ 

But  with  a  conflict  of  painful  feelings,  Fallas  Minerva  spoke  : 
“Alas!  very  much  indeed  dost  thou  stand  in  need  of  the  ab¬ 
sent  Ulysses,  who  might  lay  his  hands  on  the  shameless  suitors. 
For  if  he  should  now  come  and  stand  at  the  outward  gate  of 
the  palace,  having  a  helmet  and  shield  and  two  darts,  being 
such  as  when  first  I  beheld  him  in  our  house  drinking  and  de¬ 
lighting  himself,  having  come  from  Ephyre  from  Hus  the  son 
of  Mermerus  (for  Ulysses  went  there  also  in  a  swift  ship,  to 
seek  for  a  deadly  drug,  that  he  might  anoint  his  brazen-tipt 
arrows  ;  but  he^®  gave  it  not  to  him,  for  he  revered^'^  the  im¬ 
mortal  gods  ;  but  my  father  gave  it  him,  for  he  loved  him 
exceedingly),  if  being  such  an  one  Ulysses  should  come  in  con¬ 
tact  with  the  suitors,  all  would  be  quick-fated,  and  would 
have  a  bitter  marriage.  ]3ut  all  these  thirigs  lie  on  the  knees 
of  the  gods ;  whether  he  returning  shall  exact  vengeance  in 
his  own  palace,  or  not.  But  I  exhort  thee  to  consider  by  what 
means  thou  mayest  thrust  out  the  suitors  from  the  palace. 
Come  now,"^®  attend,  and  regard  my  words.  To-morrow  hav¬ 
ing  convoked  the  Grecian  lieroes  to  an  assembly,  speak  the 
word  before  all  and  let  the  gods  be  witnesses:  command  the 
suitors  to  disperse  to  their  own  homes.  And  if  thy  mother's 
mind  encourages  her  to  marry,  let  her  return  to  the  house  of 
her  father,  who  has  mighty  influence ;  and  they  will  make  a 

38  llus. 

3^  Literally,  “feared  the  nemesis  or  ill-will  of  the  ^jods/’  for  the  pods 
were  believed  to  envy  the  excessive  ])rosperity  of  men.  lienee  cautious 
persons  avoided  expressions  or  actions  which  displayed  arrogance. 

The  full  form  of  expression  would  be  el  de  [SonXei,  dye,  but  the  sim¬ 
ple  el  d’  dye  came  to  mean  simply  atje  I'ero,  and  be  used  as  an  exhortative 
particle.  Loewe. 

A  2 


10 


ODYSSEY.  I. 


[277—312. 


marriage  for  her,  and  will  prepare  very  large  dowries,  such  as 
ought  to  accompany  a  dear  child.  But  to  thee  I  will  suggest 
prudently,  if  thou  wilt  obey  me.  Having  prepared  a  ship, 
whichsoever  is  the  best,  with  twenty  rowers,  go  and  inquire 
about  tliy  father  long  absent,  if  any  one  of  mortals  can  tell 
thee  of  him,  or  thou  shouldest  hear  a  report^^  from  Jove, 
which  especially  brings  notice  to  mortals.  First  then  come 
to  Pylos  and  inquire  of  divine  Nestor ;  thence  to  Sparta  to 
auburn-haired  Menelaus  ;  for  he  came  last  of  the  Greeks  who 
wear  brazen  breast-plates.  If  thou  shouldest  hear  that  thy 
father  is  alive  and  will  return, then,  although  afflicted,  thou 
mayest  yet  endure  it  for  a  year :  but  if  thou  shouldest  hear 
that  he  is  dead,  and  no  longer  exists,  then  returning  to  thy 
dear  paternal  land,  erect  aloft  a  monument  for  him,  and  per¬ 
form  very  many  funeral  rites,  whatsoever  are  becoming ;  and 
bestow  upon  thy  mother  a  husband.  But  when  thou  shalt 
have  concluded  and  done  these  things,  then  consider  in  thy 
breast  and  in  thy  mind,  how  thou  mayest  kill  the  suitors  in 
thy  palace,  either  by  stratagem  or  openly.  Nor  oughtest  thou 
by  any  means  to  follow  childish  pursuits,  since  thou  art  no 
longer  of  such  an  age.  Dost  thou  not  hear  what  glory  the  divine 
Orestes  has  obtained  among  all  men,  since  he  slew  the  crafty 
murderer  Hilgisthus,  who  slew  his  renowmed  father  %  And  do 
thou,  my  friend  (for  I  see  that  thou  art  honorable  and  great), 
be  brave,  that  some  one  of  posterity  may  speak  well  of  thee 
also.  But  I  will  now  go  to  my  swift  ship,  and  to  my  com¬ 
panions,  who  are  in  very  low  spirits  through  waiting  for  me. 
But  be  this  thy  care,  and  do  thou  regard  my  words.” 

But  her  the  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn : 
‘‘  Stranger,  surely  thou  givest  me  this  advice,  being  friendly 
disposed  toward  me,  as  a  father  to  his  son,  and  I  will  never 
forget  it.  But  come,  tarry  now,  although  hastening  on  thy 
journey,  that  having  washed  thyself,  and  delighted  thy  kind 
heart,  thou  mayest  go  to  thy  ship,  rejoicing  in  thy  mind,  hav¬ 
ing  a  present,  precious  [and]  very  beautiful,  wliich  will  be 

^  It  is  a  mistake  to  render  oaaav  “  an  oracle,”  as  is  shown  by  Butt- 
inann,  Lexil.  p.  446,  sqq.,  who  observ'es:  comvion  favie  has  almost  al¬ 
ways  an  obscure  origin,  and  spreads  with  such  wonderful  rapidity,  that 
the  ancients  looked  u])on  it  as  not  proceeding  from  men,  but  as  some¬ 
thing  divine ;  hence  it  is  said  to  come  in  or  is  personified,  as  by 
Virgil,  as  a  divine  being  and  the  messenger  of  Jove.” 

**  Literally,  “if  you  hear  of  your  father’s  life  and  return.” 


313—344.] 


Oi:)YSSEY.  I. 


11 


n,  keepsake  from  me ;  [of]  such  things  as  friendly  hosts  be¬ 
stow  on  their  guests.” 

But  him  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  forthwitli  answer-' 
cd :  “  Do  not  any  longer  detain  me,  since  I  am  anxious  foi 
•my  journey ;  but  as  to  the  present,  whatever  thy  heart  urges 
thee  to  give  me,  give  it  when  I  return  again,  that  I  may  take 
it  home,  [yourself]  having  received  a  very  beauteous  [gift] ; 
for  it  shall  be  a  worthy  recompense  for  thee.”^^ 

Tims  having  spoken,  blue-eyed  Minerva  departed,  and  flew 
aloft^^  like  a  bird ;  but  she  placed  strength  and  courage  in  his 
feelings,  and  put  him  still  more  in  mind  of  his  father  than  be¬ 
fore  :  but  he,  considering  within  his  breast,  was  astonished  on 
reflection,  for  he  thought  that  she  was  a  god.  Then  the  god¬ 
like  man  immediately  went  among  the  suitors  ;  and  the  illus¬ 
trious  bard  was  singing  to  them,  but  they  sat  listening  in  si¬ 
lence  ;  [for]  lie  was  singing  the  sad  return  of  the  Grecians, 
which  Fallas  Minerva  ordained  from  Troy.  His  divine  song 
prudent  Penelope,  the  daughter  of  Icarus,  understood  in  lier 
mind  from  the  upper  chamber  and  she  came  down  the  loftj 
stairs  of  her  palace,  not  alone,  for  two  female  attendants  fol¬ 
lowed  with  her.  But  when  she,  divine  among  women,  came 
to  the  suitors,  she  stood  near  the  threshold  of  the  stout-built 
hall,  holding  up  a  slender  vail  before  her  cheeks ;  and  a  mod¬ 
est  female  attendant  stood  on  either  side  of  her,  and  weeping 
she  then  addressed  the  divine  bard. 

“  O  Fhemius,  since  thou  dost  ken  many  other  things  to 
cheer  mortals,  the  deeds  of  men  and  of  gods,  which  bards  are 
wont  to  celebrate ;  do  thou  sit  down  then,  and  sing  one  of 
these,  and  let  them  drink  their  wine  in  silence :  but  cease 
from  this  sad  strain,  which  for  ever  wears  my^®  heart  within 
my  breast :  for  unceasing  grief  has  exceedingly  come  upon 
me.  For  I  regret  such  a  person,'^’  ever  remembering  the  man. 

It  was  usual  for  hosts  to  make  presents  to  their  guests,  and  for 
guests  to  return  others  to  their  hosts ;  as  in  the  Iliad,  Bellerophon  is  saitl 
to  have  given  7roTi)pLov.  v.  220.  Old  translation,  d^iov  taertr 

dpoLjSrjQ  =  “it  shall  be  tit  for  a  recompense  for  thee.” 

Such  seems  to  be  the  sense  of  dz^oTrara  =  dvio^eprjg.  See  Loewe. 

**  i.  e.  being  in  the  upper  chamber,  she  understood  it. 

The  young  student  will  remember  that  in  Homer,  as  in  Pindar, 
piXoc  is  continually  used  for  the  possessive  pronoun  =  “mens,  suns.” 

So  in  Horace,  “  Quis  desiderio  sit  pudor  (lut  jnodus  Tam  cari  ccipi> 
iis."  Soph.  Antig.  i.  ’lafi'qyijg  icupa. 


ODYSSEY.  I. 


12 


[345—382. 


whose  glory  is  far  spread  through  Greece  and  the  middle  of 
Argos.” 

Her  prudent  Telemachus  addressed  in  turn  :  “  My  mother, 
why  dost  thou  grudge  the  agreeable  bard  to  delight  in  what 
way  his  mind  incites  him  ;  the  bards  are  not  the  cause,  but 
Jove  is  sometimes  the  cause,  who  suggests  to  ingenious  men, 
as  he  chooses  to  each.  There  is  no  blame  for  him  to  sing 
the  evil  fate  of  the  Grecians.  For  men  celebrate  that  song 
most,  which  is  newest  to  tlie  hearers.  But  let  thy  heart 
and  mind  endure  to  hear  it.  For  Ulysses  was  not  the 
only  one  who,  at  Troy,  lost  his  return ;  but  many  other 
men  likewise  perished.  Go  then  into  thy  chamber,'*®  and 
attend  to  thine  own  employments,  tlic  web  and  the  distatf, 
and  bid  thy  servants  hasten  their  work  ;  but  conversation 
shall  be  a  care  to  all  men,  and  especially  to  me ;  for  the 
authority  within  the  house  is  mine.”  She  indeed  astonished 
went  again  within  the  house ;  for  she  revolved  in  her  mind 
the  prudent  words  of  her  son.  And  going  to  the  upper 
room  with  her  women  attendants,  she  then  wept  for  her 
dear  husband  Ulysses,  until  blue-eyed  Minerva  shed  sweet 
sleep  over  her  eyelids.  But  the  suitors  were  rioting  within 
the  shaded  dwellings,  and  all  longed  to  recline  on  a  couch 
with  her. 

But  prudent  Telemachus  began  to  address  them  :  “  Suitors 
of  my  mother,  who  are  possessed  of  overbearing  insolence, 
now  let  us  delight  ourselves  feasting,  nor  let  there  be  any 
clamor ;  since  this  is  an  honorable  thing,  to  hear  such  a  bard 
as  he  is,  like  unto  the  gods  in  his  voice.  But  in  the  morning 
let  us  all  go  and  sit  down  in  assembly,  that  I  may  confident¬ 
ly  declare  this  message  to  you,  that  you  are  to  go  out  of 
this  dwelling ;  and  prepare  other  feasts,  consuming  your  own 
possessions,  taking  turns  at  each  other’s  houses.  But  if  this 
seems  to  you  more  proper  and  better,  to  destroy  with  im¬ 
punity  the  livelihood  of  one  man,  waste  it ;  but^^  I  will  call 
upon  the  immortal  gods;  If  Jupiter  shall  grant  that  deeds 
shall  meet  with  retribution,  then  shall  ye  perish  unrevenged 
within  the  house.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  but  they  all  biting  their  lips®®  marveled 
at  Telemachus,  that  he  harangued  so  boldly. 

**  oIkov  =  vTTtpt^a  in  vs.  362.  i.  e.  then  I  will. 

Literiilly,  “weeping  close  their  lips  on  the  teeth.” 


Dernell  Ever; 


383—420.]  ODYSSEY.  I.  Id 

But  him  Antinous,  the  son  of  Eupithes,  addressed  in  an* 
swer :  “  O  Telemachus,  of  a  truth  the  gods  themselves  teach 
thee  to  be  a  lofty  speaker,  and  to  harangue  boldly ;  but  never 
may  the  son  of  Saturn  make  thee  king  in  sea-girt  Ithaca, 
which  is  hereditary  to  thee  by  descent.*’ 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn:  “An- 
tinoiis,  art  thou  amazed  at  what  I  say  Indeed  I  should 
wish  to  receive  this,  if  Jove  would  grant  it.  Dost  thou  say 
that  this  is  the  worst  thing  among  men?  For  it  is  by  no 
means  a  bad  thing  to  be  a  king ;  his  house  forthwith  becomes 
opulent,  and  he  himself  more  honored.  But  indeed  there  are 
many  other  kings  of  the  Grecians  in  sea-girt  Ithaca,  young 
and  old ;  some  one  of  these  may  possess  this,  since  divine 
Ulysses  is  dead.  But  I  will  be  king  over  mine  own  house, 
and  my  servants,  whom  divine  Ulysses  has  obtained  for  me  as 
his  share  of  booty.” 

But  him  Eurymachus,  son  of  Polybus,  then  answered : 
“  Telemachus,  these  things  of  a  certainty  lie  on  the  knees  of 
the  gods,  [as  to]  who  of  the  Grecians  shall  reign  in  sea-girt 
Ithaca ;  but  thou  mayest  thyself  have  his  possessions,  and 
rule  over  his  house.  For  never  may  the  man  come,  who 
would  waste  thy  possessions  by  force  against  thy  wiil,  when 
Ithaca  is  still  inhabited.  But  I  wish  to  inquire  of  thee,  O 
most  excellent  one,  about  the  stranger,  from  whence  this  man 
is,  and  from  what  land  he  boasts  himself  to  be ;  and  where 
are  his  race,^^  and  his  paternal  fields. Does  he  bring  any 
news  of  thy  father’s  coming,  or  desiring  some  debt  of  his  own, 
does  he  come  hither  ?  For  he  went  aM^ay  immediately  i’n 
haste,  nor  did  he  wait  for  us  to  know  him ;  yet  in  counte¬ 
nance  he  was  by  no  means  like  a  mean  person.” 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  addressed  in  answer ;  “  Eu¬ 
rymachus,  truly  the  return  of  my  father  has  perished  ;  nor  do 
I  any  longer  give  credit  to  any  message,  if  one  should  come 
from  any  place :  nor  do  I  regard  an  oracle,  if  my  mother, 
having  called  any  prophet  to  the  palace,  should  inquire  of 
him.  But  this  man  is  a  guest  of  my  father’s  from  Taphos ; 
he  boasts  himself  to  be  Mentes,  son  of  warlike  Ancnialus,  but 
he  reigns  over  the  oar-loving  Tapliians.’’ 

Thus  spoke  Telemachus ;  but  in  Ids  mind  he  knew  the  im 

“  Unde  natus  sit,”  Loewe, 
yp)  dpov^xivi].  Eustath 


14 


ODYSSEY.  I. 


[421—444. 


mortal  goddess.  But  they  having  turned  to  the  dance  and 
the  lovely  song  were  delighted ;  and  awaited  till  evening 
came  on.  And  dark  evening  came  upon  them  while  they 
were  being  delighted.  They  then  went  each  to  his  home  to 
sleep;  but  Telemachus,  where  the  lofty  chamber  of  the  most 
beautiful  palace  was  built  for  him,  in  a  conspicuous  place, 
there  went  to  bed,  meditating  many  things  in  his  mind. 
Chaste  Euryclea,  daughter  of  Ops,  son  of  Bisenor,  carried 
lighted  torches  with  him ;  she  whom  formerly  Laertes  had 
bought  with  his  wealth,  while  she  was  still  in  the  prime  of 
youth,  and  he  gave  a  hundred  beeves  [for  her].  And  he 
honored  her  in  his  palace,  equally  with  his  chaste  wife ;  but 
he  never  embraced  her  on  the  couch,  for  he  avoided  the  anger 
of  his  wife.  She  carried  lighted  torches  with  him,  and  loved 
him  most  of  the  female  servants,  and  had  nurtured  him  when 
little.  But  he  opened  the  door  of  the  well-made  chamber, 
and  sat  on  the  bed,  and  put  off  his  soft  garment,  and  placed 
it  in  the  hands  of  the  prudent  old  woman.  She  having  fold¬ 
ed  and  arranged  the  garment,  and  having  hung  it  on  a  peg 
near  the  compact®^  bed,  hastened  from  the  chamber,  and  drew 
to  the  door  with  a  silver  ring,  and  fastened  the  bolt  with  the 
thonof. 

CD 

Here  he  all  night,  covered  with  the  finest  wool,^^  con¬ 
sidered  in  his  mind  the  journey,  which  Pallas  IVIinerva  had 
advised. 

i.  e.  the  bed  listened  together  by  pegs  driven  through  holes. 
TlesycL  toiq  kcitu  rag  apjxoyaQ  Ttrpij/Jisvoig.  Etym.  Magn.  Tp-qrop 
\ixoQ,  TTapa  to  rsTpfjaQat  Kara  ra  tvqXara,  dg  d  lfi[3dX\tTai  t)  airdpTogy 
1]  Trapd  TO  TtTpqaOai  rovg  iruhag,  tig  tpfSdXXerai  rd  kvfjXara.  Mr. 
Burges  suggests  that  this  term  may  really  apply  to  a  mattress  of  straw, 
stabbed  througli,  in  oi'der  to  keep  it  in  shape,  like  the  modern  palliasse. 

Literally,  “the  flower  of  a  sheep.”  But  Buttmann,  Lexil.  p.  187, 
regards  diorog  as  equivalent  to  the  Latin  “floccus,  ”  observing,  “  as  this 
comes  from  Jlo,  so  that  comes  from  dqpi ;  and  both  mean  the  light  anj 
ah-jj  locks  of  the  sheep  or  the  flax-plant.” 


1—25.1 


ODYSSEY.  II. 


15 


BOOK  IL 


ARGUiMENT. 

Telemachus,  having  called  an  assembly,  commands  the  suitors  to  leave 
the  house  of  Ulysses :  upon  which  there  arises  a  sharp  dispute,  and 
an  omen  appears  favorable  to  Telemachus.  He  then  informs  the  suit¬ 
ors  of  his  intention  of  going  in  quest  of  his  father,  and  asks  for  a  ship 
for  that  purpose  ;  which  they  refuse  :  but  Minerva,  appearing  to  him 
again,  furnishes  him  with  a  ship  and  companions.  Having  obtained 
provisions  from  Euryclea,  he  sets  sail  in  the  evening  in  company  with 
Minerva,  without  having  informed  his  mother  of  his  intended  departure. 

But  when  the  mother  of  dawn,^  rosy-fingered  morning,  ap¬ 
peared,  then  the  dear  son  of  Ulysses  arose  from  his  bed,  hav¬ 
ing  put  on  his  garments  :  and  around  his  shoulder  he  slung  a 
sharp  sword  ;  and  beneath  his  shining  feet  he  bound  beauti¬ 
ful  sandals.  And  he  went  forth  from  his  chamber  like  unto 
a  god  to  behold.  2  And  forthwith  he  ordered  the  shrill- voiced 
heralds  to  call  to  an  assembly  the  long-haired  Grecians.  Tliey 
indeed  called  them;  and  they  were  very  quickly  assembled. 
But  when  they  were  assembled,  and  were  collected  together, 
lie  proceeded  to  go  to  the  forum,  and  in  his  hand  he  held  a 
brazen  spear.  Not  alone,  for  two  swift^  dogs  followed  in  com¬ 
pany  with  him  ;  and  over  him  Minerva  shed  divine  grace. 
And  all  the  people  gazed  at  him  as  he  came,  and  he  sat  in  the 
seat  of  his  father,  and  the  old  men  gave  way.  Then  the  hero 
AEgyptius  began  to  harangue  them,  who  was  bent  with  old 
age,  and  knew  ten  thousand  things.  For  his  dear  son,  the 
warrior  Antiphus,  went  with  godlike  Ulysses  in  the  hollow 
ships  to  steed-excelling  Ilium.  But  the  fierce  Cyclops  slew 
him  in  his  hollow  -cave,  and  prepared  for  his  lasU^  supper. 
And  there  were  three  others ;  but  one  of  them,  Eurynonius, 
associated  Avith  the  suitors :  but  two  Avere  always  employed 
in  their  paternal  duties.  But  not  even  thus  did  he  forget 
him,®  lamenting  and  grieving.  He  pouring  Ibrtli  tears  ha¬ 
rangued  them  and  spoke  : 

“  Hear  noAv  from  me,  Ithacans,  what  I  shall  say.  Never 
has  our  assembly,  nor  our  sitting  together,  taken  place,  since 

^  See  Loewe,  who  rightly  ])refers  this  explanation  of  r}piyeveia. 

^  “  corani,”  Scliiinf.  h'avriov,  <pavtpwg,  Hesxch. 

^  Or  “will  e.'’  See  Loewe. 

*  Either  because  Anti])hus  was  his  last  human  victim,  or  the  last  of 
the  followers  of  Ulysses  that  was  eaten.  Eustath.  ®  Antij)hus- 


16 


ODYSSF.Y.  II. 


C26— 57. 


divine  Ulysses  Avent  in  the  hollow  ships.  But  now  who  has 
assembled  us  here  ?  upon  whom  does  so  great  a  necessity 
come,  whether  of  young  men,  or  of  those  who  are  more  ad¬ 
vanced  ?  Wliether  has  any  one  heard  some  intelligence  of  an 
army  coming  against  us,  which  indeed  he  can  declare  clearly 
to  us,  since  he  heard  it  first or  does  he  bring  forward  and 
advise  something  else  which  is  public  ?  lie  appears  to  me  to 
be  a  good  man,  and  may  he  be  fortunate.^  ^Bi^y  Jove  acconi- 
plish  for  him  whatever  good  he  is  anxious  for  in  his  mind.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  the  beloved  son  of  Ulysses  rejoiced  in 
the  omen  nor  did  he  sit  still  much  longer,  but  was  anxious 
to  harangue  ;  and  he  stood  in  the  middle  of  the  assembly ; 
and  the  herald  Pisenor,  Avho  understood  prudent  counsels, 
placed  the  sceptre  in  his  hand.  First  then,  turning  toward^ 
the  old  man,  he  spoke  [thus] : 

“  O  old  man,  not  far  off  is  this^  man  who  assembled  the 
people  (and  thou  tliyself  Avilt  soon  know  him);  but  grief  comes 
especially  upon  me  ;  I  have  neither  heard  any  intelligence  of 
an  army  coming  against  us,  Avhich  indeed  I  can  clearly  de¬ 
clare  to  thee,  since  I  have  heard  it  first,  nor  do  I  bring  for- 
Avard  or  advise  any  thing  else  which  is  public.  But  my  oavii 
necessity,  the  evil  Avhich  has  fallen  upon  mine  house,  Avliich  is 
two-fold.  First,  I  have  lost  my  excellent  sire,  Avho  Avas  for 
merly  a  king  among  you  Avho  are  here,^®  and  he  was  mild  as 
a  father.  But  now  again  e\'en  a  much  greater  [evil  has  be¬ 
fallen],  which  Avill  soon  altogether  break  up  my  Avhole  house, 
and  will  entirely  destroy  my  Avhole  livelihood.  Suitors  are 
urging  my  mother  against  her  AAnll,  the  sons  of  the  men  Avho 
are  the  chief  here :  they  dread  to  go  to  the  house  of  her  Ica- 
rian  father,  so  that  he  may  endow  his  daughter,  and  giA^e  her 
to  whom  he  chooses,  and  to  Avhomsoever  should  come  accept¬ 
able  to  him.  But  they,  spending  all  their  days  at  my  house, 
sacriticing  oxen,  and  sheep,  and  fat  goats,  feast,  and  drink  my 
ruddy^^  Avine  to  no  purpose :  but  many  things  are  consumed ; 

®  Supply  eh]  with  ovi'jfievog. 

’  i.  e.  ill  words  that  seem  to  prognosticate  his  own  success. 

In  other  passages,  as  vs.  240,  this  means  “to  rebuke.” 

®  Telemachus  points  to  himself.  Hence  yyeifja,  not  yyttpe,  is  the  cor¬ 
rect  reading. 

®  “The  Attics  use  [rather,  Ed.].  See  Aristoph.  Ach, 

100.’’  Loewe. 

“  Bright,  sparkling,  glowing  wine.  Sec  Loewe,  and  Liddef  s  Lexicon 


58—94. 


ODYSSEY.  II. 


17 


for  there  is  not  present  such  a  man  as  Ulysses  was,  to  avert 
the  calamity  from  the  house.  We  are  by  no  means  such  [as 
he  was]  to  resist  them ;  and  besides  we  should  be  both  weak, 
and  not  skilled  in  strength.  Truly  would  I  resist  tliem,  if 
strength  were  mine.  For  no  longer  are  the  deeds  to  be  en¬ 
dured  that  have  been  done,  and  no  longer  does  my  house  per¬ 
ish  honorably.  Be  ye  yourselves  indignant,  and  revere  other 
neighboring  men,  who  dwell  around  :  and  dread  the  wrath  of 
the  gods,  lest  they  should  make  some  change,  enraged  at  your 
evil  deeds.  I  beseech  you  by  Olympian  Jove  and  by  Themis, 
who  both  breaks  up  and  seats  the  assemblies  of  men,  with¬ 
hold,  my  friends,  and  suffer  me  to  be  afflicted  alone  with 
mournful  grief,  if  my  father  the  good  Ulysses,  being  hostile, 
has  at  any  time  done  evil  to  the  well-greaved  Grecians.  Tak¬ 
ing  revenge  upon  me  for  these  things,  be  hostile  to  me,  and  dc 
me  harm,  inciting  these.  And  it  would  be  better  for  me  that 
ye  should  consume  my  household-stuff,  and  my  cattle.  But 
if  you  should  devour  them,  perhaps  there  would  be  a  requital 
licreafter ;  for  so  long  should  we  make  entreaties  through  the 
city,  demanding  back  our  goods,  until  all  shall  be  restored  . 
but  now  you  cast  mcurable  griefs  into  my  mind.” 

Thus  he  spoke  enraged,  and  cast  the  sceptre  on  the  earth, 
bursting  into  tears  and  pity  possessed  all  the  people.  Here 
all  the  others  were  silent,  nor  did  any  one  dare  to  answer  Te- 
lemachus  with  bitter  words  ;  but  Antinous  alone  in  answer 
addressed  him. 

Telemachus,  of  lofty  speech,  intolerable  in  spirit,  what 
hast  tliou  said,  disgracing  us  !  Thou  wouldst  wish  in  truth 
to  attach  blame  [to  us].  The  suitors  of  the  Grecians^^  are 
not  at  all  to  blame,  but  thy  mother,  who  is  exceedingly  skilled 
in  craft:  for  it  is  now  the  third  year,  and  the  fourth  is  going 
on^^  swiftly,  since  she  deceives  tlie  mind  of  the  Grecians  in 
their  breast.  She  makes  all  hope,  and  promises  every  man, 
sending  messages ;  but  her  mind  hankers  after  other  things. 
For  she  planned  this  other  deceit  in  her  mind ;  having  begun 

Literally,  “lacrymas  incendens.”  See  Biittm.  Lexil.  p.  484,  who 
compares  ro  6k  (^aijxa)  ava  (TTOfxa  Kai  Kara  f/tvag  llpi/ae,  “he  made  the 
blood  stream.”  II.  tt.  350. 

i.  e.  “the  suitors  who  are  Grecians.” 

**  See  Loewe,  who  remarks  that  this  is  the  only  interjwetation  that 
prevents  inconsistency  with  vs.  lOG,  s(p 


18 


ODYSSEY.  II. 


[94_130. 


n  large  wel)  in  her  palace  she  wove  it,  slender  and  very  larg(' ; 
and  straightway  addressed  ns  :  ‘  Yontlis,  iny  suitors,  since  god¬ 
like  Ulysses  is  dead,  stay  urging  my  maiTiage  until  1  shall 
linish  this  vail,  that  my  threads  may  not  perish  in  vain,  a 
shroud  for  the  hero  Laertes,  at  the  time  when  the  destructive 
liite  of  long-slumbering  death  shall  seize  him.  Lest  some  one 
among  the  Grecian  women  be  indignant  against  me,  should 
he  lie  without  a  wrapper,  having  possessed  many  things.’ 
Thus  she  spoke,  and  our  proud  mind  was  persuaded.  Then 
during  the  day  slie  wove  the  mighty  web ;  but  at  night,  when 
she  had  placed  the  torches  near  her,  she  unraveled  it.  Thus 
for  three  years,  indeed,  she  escaped  by  deceit,  and  persuaded 
the  Grecians.  But  when  the  fourth  ycar^^  came,  and  the 
hours  advanced  on,  then  indeed  some  one  of  the  Avornen,  who 
knew  it  well,  told  it ;  and  we  found  her  unraveling  the  splen¬ 
did  web ;  so  that  she  finished  it  of  necessity,  although  unwill¬ 
ing.  Thus  the  suitors  answer  thee,  that  thou  mayest  thyseli 
know  it  in  thy  mind,  and  that  all  the  Greeks  may  know  it. 
Send  aAvay  your  mother,  and  bid  her  marry  whomsoever  her 
father  bids,  and  she  herself  pleases.  But  if  she  shall  for  a 
long  time  further  annoy  the  sons  of  the  Grecians,  caring  in 
mind  for  those  things,  which  Minerva  has  given  her  in  abund¬ 
ance,  to  understand  beautiful  works,  and  [to  possess]  a  good 
disj)Osition,  and  stratagems,  such  as  w'e  have  never  heard  any 
one,  even  of  the  ancients,  [possessed,^®]  of  those,  who  have 
been  heretofore  fair-haired  Grecian  w’omen,^^  Tyro,  and  Alc- 
mene,  and  fair-haired  Mycene  ;  none  of  these  knew  the  same 
arts  of  Penelope.  But  this  indeed  she  has  not  planned  right¬ 
ly.  For  then  they  will  consume  thy  livelihood  and  posses^ 
sions,  so  long  as  she  has  this  mind,  which  the  gods  have  now 
placed  in  her  breast;  for  herself  indeed  she  obtains  great  glo¬ 
ry,  but  for  thee  a  regret  for  much  sustinence.^^  But  we  will 
neither  go  to  our  employments,  nor  any  where  else,  before  she 
marries  whomsoever  of  the  Grecians  slie  chooses.” 

Him  prudent  Telemachus  addressed  in  turn  :  “  O  Antinous, 
it  is  in  nowise  possible  [for  me]  to  thrust  out  of  my  house 

i.  e.  the  present  one,  of  which  he  is  now  speaking. 

\Yith  Tiva  we  must  supply  a  verb,  the  sense  of  which  is  implied  in 
the  j)receding  tTria-aaQai. 

”  Inverted,  for  “of  those  beautiful  Grecian  women,  who  were  here¬ 
tofore.”  i*  e.  for  its  loss. 


J  3 1—159.] 


ODYSSEY.  II. 


19 


against  her  will  her,  who  brought  me  forth,  who  nourished^® 
me ;  but  my  father  is  either  alive  or  dead  in  some  other  part 
of  the  earth  :  but  it  would  be  a  sad  thing  that  I  should  pay‘^‘* 
much  to  Icarius,  if  I  should  myself  of  my  own  accord  send 
away  my  motiier.  For  I  shall  sutler  evil  from  her  father,'^^ 
and  (xod  will  give  other  [evils],  when  my  mother,  departing 
from  the  house,  shall  invoke  the  hateful  Furies;  and  there 
will  be  reproach  upon  me  from  men.  So  I  never  will  utter 
this  word.  But  if  your  mind  is  indignant  at  these  things,  go 
out  of  my  house,  and  prepare  other  feasts,  consuming  your 
own  possessions,  taking  turns  at  each  other’s  houses.  But 
if  this  seems  to  you  more  proper  and  better,  to  destroy  with 
impunity  the  livelihood  of  one  man,  waste  it,  but  I  will  call 
upon  the  immortal  gods  ;  If  Jove  ever  will  grant  that  deeds 
meet  retribution,  then  shall  ye  perish  unrevenged  within  the 
house.” 

Thus  spoke  Telemachus  ;  but  far-seeing  Jove  sent  thither^^ 
for  him  two  eagles  to  fly  from  aloft  from  the  top  of  a  mount¬ 
ain.  Tliey  twain  for  some  time  flew  with  the  gales  of  the 
wind,  near  one  another,  stretching  out  with  their  wings ;  but 
when  they  came  to  the  middle  of  the  noisy  assembly,  there 
turning  round  they  shook  their  dense  pinions,  and  looked 
over  the  heads  of  all,  and  portended^^  destruction  :  for  tearing 
their  cheeks  and  their  necks  around  with  their  talons,  they 
rushed  on  the  right  hand  through  their^^  houses  and  city. 
But  they  were  astonished  at  the  birds,  when  they  beheld  them 
with  their  eyes,  and  considered  in  their  mind  what  things 
were  about  to  be  brought  to  pass.  And  the  old  hero  Hali- 
therses,  the  son  of  JMastor,  addressed  them,  for  he  alone  ex¬ 
celled  those  of  his  age  in  knowing  [the  omens  of]  birds  and 

Eustathius  observes,  t/cri  yap  pprspeg,  ai  tiktovoi  ptv,  ovk  tKOpexf/ovcri 
a\A’  ojg  tiirtiv  tKnOiacn  ralg  TiOpvoig. 

It  was  a  law,  that  when  a  man  sent  a  woman  away  from  his  house, 
he  was  to  pay  a  fine  to  her  father  and  relations.  Scholiast.  Nitzsch 
and  Loewe,  however,  understand  “  aliqua  injuriee  Icario  illataj  expiatio,” 
which  seems  more  simple  than  to  restrict  dironvuv  to  the  mere  notion 
of  i)aying  a  fine. 

i.  e.  Icarius.  See  Loewe. 

“  7r|00£?7/c6,  non  tarn  pra3misit,  quam  illuc  misit."  Loewe. 

See  Buttm.  Lexil.  p.  445. 

i.  e.  those  of  the  Ithacans.  But  we  find  “domos  avium,”  in  La^ 
erct.  i.  19. 


■  ODYSSEY.  11. 


20 


[IGO— lya 


telling  things  fated  ;  who  being  kindly  disposed,  harangued 
and  addressed  them  [thus] : 

“  Hear  now  from  me,  Ithacans,  what  I  shall  say ;  and  I 
shall  speak  these  things  especially  setting  them  forth  to  the 
suitors  ;  for  a  great  calamity  hangs  over  them.  For  Ulysses 
will  not  be  long  away  from  his  friends,  but  being  already 
somewhere  near  at  hand,  is  planning  slaughter  and  death  to 
all  these  present:  and  there  will  be  evil  upon  many  of  us 
also,  who  inhabit  Ithaca  well  situated  toward  the  west.-^ 
But  let  us  lirst  consider  well,  how  we  may  check  them,^^  and 
let  them  cease;  for  this  will  soon^'^  be  better  for  tliem.  For 
I  do  not  prophesy  being  unskilled,  but  well  understanding. 
For  I  say  that  all  the  things  have  been  fulfilled  unto  him,  as 
I  foretold  him,  when  the  Argives  embarked  for  Troy,-®  and 
crafty  Ulysses  went  with  them.  I  said  that  he,  having  suf¬ 
fered  many  ills,  and  having  lost  all  his  companions,  would 
come  home  unrecognized  by*  all,  in  the  twentieth  year.  All 
these  things  then  are  now  being  brought  to  pass.” 

But  him  Eurymachus,  son  of  I’olybus,  in  turn  addressed: 
“  O  old  man,  come  now,  go  home  and  prophesy  to  thy  chil¬ 
dren,  lest  by  chance  they  should  suffer  some  evil  hereafter: 
but  I  am  a  much  better  one  than  you  to  prophesy  in  these 
things.  Many  birds  indeed  fly  about  under  the  beams  of  the 
sun,  nor  are  all  ominous ;  but  Ulysses  has  perished  afar  off; 
as  wmuld  that  thou  also  hadst  perished  with  him  :  thou  wouldst 
not  have  talked  so  much,  uttering  oracles,  nor  wouldst  thou 
have  thus  excited  the  enraged  Telemachus,  expecting  a  present 
for  thy  family,  if  he  should  give  thee  any.  But  I  declare  to 
thee,  and  this  shall  be  performed  :  If  thou,  m ho  art  accpiainted 
with  many  and  ancient  tilings,  shalt  excite  a  younger  man  to 
be  angry,  deceiving  him  with  thy  words,  to  him  first  it  will  be 
more  unpleasant,  [and  thou  wilt  not  be  able  to  effect  at  all 
on  account  of  those  things:^®]  but  we  will  impose  a  fine  upon 
thee,  old  man,  wliich  thou  wilt  be  indignant  in  thy  mind  at 
paying;  and  there  will  be  bitter  grief  for  thee.  But  I  my- 

Bat  Buttmann,  Lexil.  p.  223,  follows  Eustathius,  deriving  tvctleXoc 
from  tv  and  tVX?/,  with  d  inserted,  =  apricns,  “sunnv.” 

*  i.  e.  the  suitors.  Others  wrongly  refer  KciTa-Kavaofitv  to  kukov. 

But  dtpap  refers  to  TraviaOivv  =  statim  cnim  qinescere  ipsis  utilius 
est.  Loewe. 

=*«  Cf.  Od.  A.  210,  sq. 


A  suspected  verse. 


194—223.] 


ODYSSEY.  II.  • 


21 


self  will  above  all  suggest  to  Telemaclius  [thus].  Let  Iiiia 
command  his  mother  to  return  to  her  father’s;  but  they^®  will 
make  a  marriage  for  her,  and  will  prepare  a  very  large  dow¬ 
ry,  such  as  ought  to  accompany  a  beloved  daughter.  For  I 
do  not  think  that  the  sons  of  the  Grecians  will  rest  from  their 
troublesome  suit  before  [this] ;  since  we  fea^'  no  one  at  all, 
not  even  Telemachus,  although  he  is  a  man  of  many  words. 
Nor  do  we  regard  the  oracle,  which  thou,  old  man,  speakest 
in  vain,  and  thou  art  still  more  hated.  But  his  property  will 
be  again  evilly  consumed,  nor  will  it  ever  [again]  be  ecpial  [to 
M’hat  it  was],2i  as  long  as  she  puts  off  the  Grecians  with  re¬ 
spect  to  her  marriage :  but  we,  waiting  all  our  days,  contend 
on  account  of  her  excellence,  nor  do  we  go  after  others,  whom 
it  is  proper  for  each  to  marry.” 

But  him  did  the  prudent  Telemachus  answer  in  turn  :  “  F.u- 
rymachus,  and  others,  as  many  as  [are]  illustrious  suitors,  I 
no  longer  beseech  of  you,  nor  speak  these  things  :  for  now  the 
gods  and  all  the  Grecians  know  them.  But  come,  give  me  a 
swift  ship  and  twenty  companions,  who  may  make  way^^  with 
me  to  ditlerent^^  places.  For  I  am  going  to  Sparta  and  to 
sandy  Fylos,  to  make  inquiries  of  the  return  of  my  long-ab¬ 
sent  father,  if  any  one  of  mortals  could  tell  me,  or  I  may  hear 
some  report  from  Jove,^^  which  especially  brings  notice  to 
men.  If  I  should  hear  of  the  life  and  return  of  my  father, 
then,  although  afiiicted,  I  would  still  endure  for  a  year.  But 
if  I  should  hear  that  he  is  dead  and  no  longer  existing,  then 
indeed,  returning  to  my  dear  paternal  land,  I  will  build^^  a 
sepulchre  for  him,  and  will  perform  very  many  funeral  rites, 

i.  e.  oi  dix(pl  Tov  Trarkpa.  Cf.  vs.  53,  with  Loewe’s  note.  It  is  a 
mistake  to  refer  it  to  the  suitors. 

^  i.  e.  we  will  go  on  plundering  it.  See  Locmc’s  note. 

See  Buttmann,  Lexil.  p.  492,  wliere  Fishike  compares  the  German 
“  ehien  weg  viachen,”  “to  make  a  way,”  and  the  French,  “  il  fait  une 
partie  du  chemin.” 

^  Literally,  “here  and  there.” 

See  the  note  on  i.  282,  where  the  same  expression  occurs. 

More  literally,  “pile,  heap  up,”  as  the  tombs  were  built  like  mounds 
or  barrows.  Cf.  II.  xxiii.  25G  ;  xiv.  1 14  ;  Od.  iii.  258.  Compare  n'/f/Bow 
dxOoc  in  ^Bseb.  Choeph.  4.  “aggeritur  tumulo  tellus,”  Virg.  ^In.  iii.  62. 
See  also  my  note  on  Eurip.  A^x;es«^.  vol.  k  ]>.  240,  ed.  Bohn,  seems, 

however,  ju-imarily  "X)  iiubeate  the  scattering  of  earth  upon  a  corpse,  to 
jirevent  pollutioip  ana  as  the  fi»'st  part  of  funeral  rites.  Hor.  Od.  i.  28 ; 
Virg  .iEn.  vi.  365, 


22 


ODYSSEY.  II. 


1:223—252. 

whatever  are  fit ;  and  I  will  bestow  my  mother  on  a  hus¬ 
band.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  sat  down  ;  but  INIentor  rose  up  to 
them,  who  was  the  companion  of  illustrious  Ulysses,  and  when 
he  went  in  the  ships,  he  committed  to  him  all  his  family,  that 
tlie  old  man  should  be  obeyed,  and  should  keep  all  things  safe, 
who  being  well  disposed  harangued  and  addressed  them  : 

“  Hear  now  from  me,  Ithacans,  what  I  shall  say.  Let  not 
any  sceptre-wielding  king  be  any  more  provident,  gentle,  and 
mild,  nor  let  him  consider  holy  deeds  in  his  mind,  but  let  him 
always  be  severe  and  do  unjusU^  things  ;  since  not  one  of  the 
people,  over  whom  he  reigned,  remembers  the  divine  Ulysses, 
and  that  he  was  mild  as  a  father. But  I  indeed  by  no  means 
envy  the  proud  suitors  doing  violent  deeds,  by  the  evil  devices 
of  their  mind  ;  for  risking  their  own  lives,^®  they  are  violently 
consuming  the  house  of  Ulysses,  who  they  say  will  no  longer 
return.  But  now  1  am  indignant  at  the  rest  of  the  people : 
how  ye  all  sit  silent  but  not  at  all  rebuking  with  words,  do 
ye  restrain  the  suitors  who  are  few,  while  ye  are  many.” 

But  him Leiocritus,  son  of  Evenor,  answered:  “Thou  bale¬ 
ful  Mentor,  foolish  in  thy  mind,  what  hast  thou  said,  inciting 
[the  people]  to  restrain  us '?  .  but  it  is  a  difficult  thing  for 
even  those  who  are  more  in  number  to  fight  about  a  feast."^® 
For  although  Ithacan  Ulysses  himself,  approaching,  should 
be  eager  in  his  mind  to  drive  out  of  the  palace  the  illustrious 
suitors  [who  are]  feasting  in  his  house,  even  his  wife  would 
not  rejoice  at  his  coming,'^  although  very  much  desiring  it  ; 
for  he  would  there  draw  on  his  own  cruel  fate,  if  lie  should 
fight  with  those  who  are  more  in  number:  but  thou  hast  not 
spoken  rightly.^^  come,  ye  people,  disperse  each  to  his 

Sacrilegious,  according  to  the  Scholiast,  aiarXa  being  put  for  aho- 
(TiiXa,  i.  e.  Tov  KaOrjKovTog  (rtavXi^fXfva.  Loewe.  Of.  vs.  47. 

“  Caput  objectare  periclis.”  Virg. 

avu()  is  doubtless  wrong,  and  we  must  restore  the  adverbial  form 
rtufu),  =  aKEujv,  “in  silence.”  See  Buttin.  Lexil.  p.  100,  sq. 

This  passage  is  very  dilficult  to  understand.  I  haA’e  followed 
Loewe,  who  has  taken  the  interpretation  of  Eustathius :  “  ditficile  autem 
et  graA^e  erit  Ithacensibus,  quamvis  sint  nuinero  majores,  nobiscum  (i.  e. 
precis)  contendere  de  convivio  nunc  finiendo.” 

Because  sheAvould  soon  lose  him  again,  u/Lia  yap  ISovaa  crrepijafrai. 
Eustathius. 

*  KUTu  polpai'  is  used  in  the  same  manner  as  kut  alaav  = 

Kara  Xoyov. 


253—289.] 


ODYSSEY.  II. 


23 


em})loyments ;  but  for  him,  let  Mentor  and  Ilalitherses  make 
ready  his  journey,  tliey  who  are  his  companions,  friends  of  his 
father  from  the  beginning.  But  I  ween,  sitting  for  a  long 
time,  he  will  hear  messages  in  Ithaca,  and  he  will  never  per¬ 
form  this  journey.” 

Thus  he  spoke,  and  he  dissolved  the  assembly  quickly. 
They  then  were  dispersed  each  to  their  own  homes ;  but  the 
suitors  went  to  the  house  of  godlike  Ulysses.  But  Telem- 
achus  going  at  a  distance  on  the  shore  of  the  sea,  having 
washed  his  hands  in  the  hoary  wave,  prayed  to  Minerva : 

“  Hear  me,  thou  deity  w^ho  didst  yesterday  come  to  my 
house,  and  didst  command  me  to  go  in  a  ship  over  the  shad¬ 
owy  sea  to  inquire  concerning  the  return  of  my  long-absent 
father  ;  but  the  Grecians  waste  all  these  things,  and  especial¬ 
ly  the  suitors,  who  are  wickedly  haughty.” 

Thus  he  spoke  praying;  but  Minerva  came  near  to  him, 
likened  unto  Mentor  both  in  person  and  voice,  and  address¬ 
ing  him  spoke  winged  words. 

“  Telemachus,  thou  Avilt  not  be  hereafter  a  coward  or  fool¬ 
ish  ;  if  indeed  the  excellent  disposition  of  thy  father  has  been 
instilled  into  thee,  such  as  he  was  to  perform  a  deed  and  a 
Avord,  thy  journey  soon  Avill  not  be  A^ain  or  unfinished ;  but 
if  thou  art  not  the  son  of  him  and  Penelope,  I  do  not  expect 
that  thou  Avilt  perform  Avhat  thou  art  eagerly  bent  upon.  For 
feAV  sons  are  like  their  father;  more  are  Avorse ;  but  feAv  are 
better  than  their  father.  But  since  thou  Avilt  not  hereafter 
be  a  coward  or  foolish,  nor  has  the  understanding  of  Ulysses 
altogether  left  thee,  there  is  some  hope  for  thee  that  thou 
Avilt  })erform  these  Avorks.  Wherefore  disregard  now  the 
counsel  and  the  mind  of  the  foolish  suitors,  since  they  are 
not  prudent  or  just :  nor  do  they  anticipate  the  death  and 
gloomy  fate,  Avhich  is  now  nigh  to  them,  for  all  to  perish  in 
one  day.  But  the  journey  for  Avhich  thou  art  anxious  Avill 
not  be  long  put  off*.  For  I,  thy  father’s  friend,  am  such  to 
thee,  Avho*^  Avill  make  ready  for  thee  a  SAvift  ship,  and  Avill 
myself  folloAV.  But  do  thou  go  to  the  house,  and  associate 
Avith  the  suitors,  and  get  ready  provisions,  and  fit  every  thing 

■*  Nearly  equivalent  to  an//>/|Ow<;.  Cf.  II.  iv.  182.  rort  ^i.oi  xdi’oi  tvptla 
X0(^v.  Virp.  iEn.  iv.  24,  “  tellus  optem  ja-ius //««  dehiseat.”  Loewe. 

**  Obsen'e  that  Minerva  uses  the  masculine  ju'onoun  and  adjective,  iu 
reference  to  the  form  under  which  she  acconqtanied  Ulysses. 


24 


ODYSSEY.  II. 


[290—320. 


in  vessels,  wine  in  casks,  and  meal,  the  marrow  of  men,  in 
thick  skins.  But  I  will  immediately  collect  voluntary  com¬ 
panions  through  the  people :  for  there  are  many  ships  in  sea¬ 
girt  Ithaca,  both  new  and  old.  Of  these  I  will  examine  which 
is  the  best ;  and  having  quickly  prepared  it  we  will  launch 
it  on  the  wide  sea.” 

Thus  spoke  Minerva,  the  daughter  of  Jove,  nor  did  4  c- 
lemachus  delay  a  long  time,  when  he  heard  the  voice  of  the 
goddess.  But  he  hastened  to  his  house,  sorrowing  in  his 
heart;  and  he  found  the  haughty  suitors  in  the  palace  skin¬ 
ning  goats,  and  roasting  fattened  swine'^  in  the  hall.  But 
Antinous  laughing  went  to  meet  Telemachus,  and  took  hold 
of  his  hand,  and  spoke  and  called  him  by  name : 

‘‘Telemachus,  thou  lofty  speaker,  intolerable  in  spirit,  let 
not  any  other  evil  deed  or  word  be  a  care  to  thee  in  thy 
breast,  but  eat  and  drink  for  my  sake^^  as  before.  But  the 
Grecians  will  thoroughly  get  ready  all  these  things,  a  ship 
and  chosen  rowers,  that  thou  mayest  more  quickly  arrive  at 
divine  Pylos,  in  quest  of  thine  illustrious  sire.” 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn:  “Anti- 
nous,  it  is  not  possible  for  me  to  feast  in  quiet^^  and  to  rejoice 
peaceably  among  you  arrogant^®  ones.  It  is  not  enough  that 
hitherto  ye  suitors  have  clipped  my  many  and  excellent  pos¬ 
sessions,  while  I  was  still  an  infant?  But  new  when  I  am 
grown  up,  and  hearing  the  discourse  of  others  understand  it, 
ay,  and^®  my  mind  increases  within  me,  I  will  make  the  ex¬ 
periment,  that  I  may  send  the  evil  Fates  upon  you,  either 
going  to  Pylos,  or  here  in  this  people.  I  will  go  indeed — nor 
wall  the  voyage  which  I  mention  be  vain — as  a  merchant ; 
for  I  am  not  master^o  of  a  ship  nor  of  rowers ;  since  he  has 
seemed  to  you  to  be  better.” 

(na\bg,  6  aiTSVTog  Trapd  to  aiTfiaQai  uXig.  Eustath. 

fioi  is  not  exactly  the  dativus  commodi,  but  is  a  polite  friendly  form 
of  expressing  a  wish.  Loewe  compares  the  German  “  iss  und  Kiuk  //iiV.” 

aKtuvra  is  rightly  received  by  Loewe  for  dtKovra.  Cf.  xiv.  195. 

There  is  no  authority  for  translating  v7r(p(pid\oi<yi  “perfidious,”  as 
one  of  the  most  inaccurate  of  former  translators  seems  to  have  su})- 
posed.  The  term  implies  “excessive,”  and  hence,  “proud,  haughty.” 
See  Buttm.  Lexil.  p.  513. 

Kat  bij  appears  here  to  increase  the  omj)hasis.  For  the  sense 
Ijoewe,  after  the  Schol.,  compares  Herod,  iii.  134,  avlavop-kpip  rfp’ffw- 
'Itari  avvav^dvovrat  Kai  ai  (ppki'tg. 

But  yl'^vo/icu  rather  means,  “I  shall  not  be  possessed  of  a  ship,  etc. 


321—354.] 


ODYSSEY.  II. 


25 


lie  spoke,  and  readily  withdrew  his  hand  from  the  hand  of 
Antinous ;  but  the  suitors  w^ere  at  a  banquet  in  the  house. 
And  they  abused  and  reproached  [him]  in  words.  And  thus 
some  one  of  the  haughty  youths  spoke  : 

“  Telemachus  in  truth  meditates  slaughter  for  us.  He  will 
either  bring  some  allies  from  sandy  Pylos,  or  even^^  from  Spar¬ 
ta  ;  since  indeed  he  is  exceedingly  anxious  :  or  he  wishes  to  go 
to  the  rich  land  Ephyre,  that  he  may  bring  from  thence  deadly 
poisons,  and  may  throw  them  in  a  cup  and  destroy  us  all.” 

And  then  another  one  of  the  haughty  youths  said:  “But 
who  knows  whether  he  himself  going  in  a  hollow  ship  may 
perish  far  away  from  his  friends,  wandering  as  Ulysses  ?  So 
indeed  he  would  still  more  increase  our  labor ;  for  we  should 
divide^'*^  all  his  possessions,  and  moreover  give  his  house  to  his 
mother  to  possess,  and  whoever  should  marry  her.” 

Thus  they  spoke ;  but  he  went  down  to  the  spacious  lofty 
roofed  store-room  of  his  father,  where,  heaped  up,  lay  gold 
and  brass,  and  garments  in  chests,  and  plenty  of  sw^eet-smell- 
ing  oil.  And  there  stood  casks  of  old  sweet  wine,  contain¬ 
ing  pure,  divine  drink,  fitted  in  order  against  the  wall ;  if  at 
any  time  Ulysses  should  return  home,  although  having  toiled 
through  many  griefs.  But  upon  it  there  were  shut  doors 
closely  fitted,  double ;  and  within  there  was  night  and  day  a 
female  housekeeper,^^  who  watched  every  thing  through  the 
long  experience  of  her  mind,  Euryclea,  the  daughter  of  Ops 
son  of  Pisenor.  Having  called  her  to  the  store-room,  Telem¬ 
achus  then  addressed  her : 

“Nurse,  come  draw  me  some  sweet  wine  in  the  casks, 
which  is  the  more  luscious^*  after  that,  which  you  are  pre¬ 
serving,  in  expectation  of  him,  the  unfortunate  ;  if  from  any 
where  noble  Ulysses  should  come,  having  escaped  death  and 
the  Pates.  But  fill  twelve,  and  fit  all  with  stoppers ;  and 

at  your  hands,”  because  lie  depended  upon  Minerva.  See  Loewe. 
fiokog  =  kTTiTvxnQ,  from  fidWto  in  the  sense  of  rvyxdvio.  ^Moreover,  Te¬ 
lemachus  alludes  to  the  poverty  they  had  brought  upon  him. 

**  On  the  position  of  the  pronoun  dye  cf.  Ilor.  Od.  i.  9, — “  nee  dulces 
amores  sperne  puer  neque  tu  choreas.  ” 

He  ironically  calls  the  task  of  dividing  the  property  of  Telemachus, 
a  labor.  Loewe. 

yvvi)  Tctiuit}  is  a  common  jtleonasm,  literally,  “a  woman,  a  house-' 
keeper.  ” 

i.  e.  more  luscious  than  the  rest,  but  inferior  to  that.  See  Loewe. 

B 


26 


ODYSSEY.  II. 


[354—300. 


pour  meal  for  me  into  well-sewn  skins  ;  and  let  there  be  twen¬ 
ty  measures  of  ground  meal.  But  do  thou  only  know  it.  And 
let  all  these  things  be  collected ;  for  I  shall  take  them  in  the 
evening,  when  my  mother  is  gone  to  her  upper  chamber,  and 
is  thinking  of  bed.  F or  I  am  going  to  Sparta  and  sandy  l*y- 
los,  to  inquire  concerning  the  return  of  my  dear  father,  if  1 
can  any  where  hear  of  him.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  his  dear  nurse  Euryclea  wailed,  and 
Inourning  she  spoke  winged  words : 

'  “  Why,  my  dear  child,  is  this  thought  in  thy  mind  ?  whith¬ 

er  dost  thou  wish  to  go  over  much  land,  being  alone  beloved  “s 
but  he,  Jove-sprung  Ulysses,  has  perished  far  away  from  his^ 
country,  among  an  unknown  people.  But  they,^^  as  soon 
thou  art  gone,  will  hereafter  devise  evil  things,  how  thou  may- 
est  perish  by  deceit,  and  they  themselves  may  divide  all  these 
things.  But  do  thou  remain  here,  sitting  among  thine  own : 
nor  is  it  at  all  fit  that  thou  shouldst  suffer  harm,  or  wander 
over  the  unfruitful  sea.” 

To  her  prudent  Telemachus  [thus]  spoke  in  turn  :  “  Be  of 
good  cheer,  nurse,  since  this  counsel  is  by  no  means  Avithout 
God  but  swear  that  thou  Avilt  not  tell  these  things  to  my 
mother,  before  the  eleventh  or  tAvelfth  day  shall  arrive,  or  she 
herself  should  inquire,  and  hear  that  I  am  gone ;  that  she 
may  not  hurt  her  beauteous  form  [by]  Aveeping.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  the  old  woman  swore  a  great  oath  by 
the  gods.  But  when  she  had  sworn  and  concluded  the  oath, 
she  straightAvay  drew  Avine  for  him  in  the  casks,  and  poured 
meal  into  the  AA'ell-seA\m  skins.  But  Telemachus,  going  into 
the  house,  associated  with  the  suitors.^”^ 

Then  again  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  thought  upon 
other  things  ;  and  likened  unto  Telemachus  she  went  every 
Avhere  through  the  city,  and  then  standing  near  each  man 
spoke  the  Avord ;  and  bade  them  in  the  eA  ening  be  assembled 
at  the  swift  ship.  She  then  begged  a  SAvift  ship  of  Noemon 
the  glorious  son  of  Phronius;  and  he  willingly  promised  it  to 
her. 

And  the  sun  set,  and  all  the  ways  AA'ere  overshadoAved ;  and 
then  she  drew  doAAii  the  SAvift  ship  to  the  sea,  and  placed  all 

i.  e.  the  suitors. 

i,  c.  “  sine  nuniine  Divuni,”  as  Virgil  expresses  it,  iEn.  ii,  777. 

^  As  we  should  say  in  English,  “joined  their  comtianv.” 


590—423.] 


ODYSSEY.  II. 


27 


the  tackle  in  it,  wliicli  well-benched  ships  carry.  And  she 
stood  at  the  extremity  of  the  port;  and  her  excellent  com- 
])anions  were  collected  together  around  her ;  and  the  goddess 
incited  each. 

Then  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  thought  of  other 
things,  and  hastened  to  the  dwelling  of  godlike  Ulysses:  there 
she  shed  sweet  sleep  over  the  suitors,  and  caused  them  to 
wander  while  drinking ;  and  cast  the  cups  out  of  their 
hands.^®  And  they^^  hastened  through  the  city  to  sleep  ;  nor 
Old  they  sit  any  longer,  when  sleep  fell  upon  their  eyelids. 
Uut  blue-eyed  Minerva  addressed  Telemachus,  having  called 
him  forth  out  of  the  well-inliabited  palace,  likened  unto  Men¬ 
tor  both  in  her  person  and  her  voice. 

“  Telemachus,  already  are  thy  well-greaved  companions 
sitting  at  their  oars,  awaiting  your  approach.  Now  let  us 
go,  nor  delay  the  voyage  any  longer.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  Pallas  Minerva  quickly  led  the  way  ; 
but  he  straightway  followed  the  steps  of  the  goddess.  And 
when  they  came  to  the  ship  and  to  the  sea,  then  they  found 
their  long-haired  companions  on  the  shore ;  and  the  sacred 
might  of  Telemachus^^'  addressed  them  :  “Plithcr,  my  friends, 
let  us  bring  provisions  ;  for  all  things  are  now  collected  in 
the  dwelling  ;  and  my  mother  knows  it  not  at  all ;  nor  do  the 
other  female  servants,  but  one  only  has  heard  the  matter.” 

Thus  having  spoken  he  led  the  way  ;  and  they  followed 
with  him.  And  bringing  all  the  things,  they  placed  them  on 
the  well-benched  shij),  as  the  dear  son  of  Ulysses  gave  orders. 
Telemachus  then  embarked  in  the  ship,  and  INIinerva  led  and 
sat  down  in  the  stern,  and  near  her  sat  Telemachus.  And 
they  loosed  the  hawsers  ;  and  themselves  embarking,  sat  on  the 
benches.  Put  to  them  blue-eyed  Minerva  sent  a  favorable 
gale,®^  a  brisk  zephyr  whistling  over  the  dark  sea.  Put  Te- 
Icrnachus  exhorting  his  companions  ordered  them  to  fit  their 

i.  e.  caused  them  to  droj)  from  their  tired  hands. 

i.  e.  the  guests  wlio  were  on  a  visit  to  the  suitors.  Eustathius. 

These  circumlocutions  are  very  common  in  Ilomcr,  and,  as  they  are 
always  used  to  express  personal  might  and  prowess,  it  much  detracts 
from  the  simple  grandeur  of  heroic  language  to  render  them  merely  by 
the  English  adjective. 

Loewe,  however,  derives  iKfxtiwv  from  'licftac  =  vypot'  TrotiZv.  He 
observes  liowevcr  tliat  it  is  rather  to  be  regarded  as  a  general  ej)ithet  of 
Zephyr,  tliaii  as  implying  rain  on  the  j»resent  occasion. 


28 


ODYSSEY.  III.  [424—433.  iii.  1—8. 


tockle ;  and  they  hearkened  to  him  exliorting  them,  and  rais¬ 
ing  up  the  fir-mast  placed  it  'within  the  hollow  mast-hole ; 
and  bound  it  with  the  fore-cables,  and  drew  the  white  sails 
with  well-twisted  thongs.  And  the  wind  swelled  the  middle 
of  the  sail ;  and  the  purple  wave  roared  loudly  around  the 
keel,  as  the  ship  made  its  way :  and  it  ran  through  the  waves 
passing  on  its  way ;  having  then  bound  the  tackle  through 
the  swift  black  ship,  they  set  crowned  cups  of  wine ;  and 
made  libations  to  the  immortal  eternal  gods,  but  most  of  all 
to  the  blue-eyed  daughter  of  Jove,  dlien  it  passed  along  the 
way  through  the  whole  night  and  in  the  morning. 


BOOK  III. 


ARGUMENT. 

On  reaching  Pylos  with  Minerva,  Telemaehus  finds  the  Pylians  sacrific¬ 
ing  bulls  to  Neptune.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  ceremony,  Teleinu- 
clius  states  the  object  of  his  voyage,  and  Nestor  in  reply  relates  what 
had  happened  to  himself,  and  the  circumstances  of  their  sailing  from 
Troy ;  but  having  no  tidings  of  Ulysses,  he  advises  him  to  go  to  Men- 
elaus.  Minerva  departs,  having  discovered  who  she  is  ;  upon  which 
Nestor  offers  sacrifice  to  her;  and  then  sends  Telemaehus  with  his 
son  Pisistratus  in  a  chariot  to  Sparta.  They  arrive  at  Plieroi  in  the 
evening,  and  are  entertained  by  Diodes. 

But  the  sun,  having  left  the  very  beauteous  sea,’  rose  up¬ 
ward  into  the  brazen  heaven, ^  that  it  might  shine  to  the  im¬ 
mortals  and  to  mortal  men  over  the  bounteous  earth.  And 
they  came  to  Bylos,  the  well-built  citadel  of  Neleus  :  now 
they^  were  offering  sacrifices  on  the  shore  of  the  sea,  all-black 
bulls  to  the  azure-haired  Shaker  of  the  earth.**  There  were 
nine  seats  and  five  hundred  sat  in  each,  and  they  allotted  nine 

^  On  \iixvr)  put  for  OdXnarra  or  ’QicEavuc,  see  Loewe.  Cf.  Ilesych.  s. 
v.  and  Trora/tog,  Avith  Albei'ti’s  note,  t.  ii.  ]).  481.  Strabo,  v.  p. 

225,  uses  the  compound  XifivoOciXarra. 

2  It  was  the  old  opinion  that  the  heaven  was  solid,  and  framed  of 
brass.  Cf.  Pind.  Nem.  vi.  5,  6  dt  xdXKtoe  daepaXtg  aii  tiog  /nhet  ovpa~ 
v6g  (hence  perhaps  the  brazen  shoulders  attributed  to  Atlas  in  Eur.  Ion, 
i.).  The  phrase  seems  merely  equivalent  to  (TTepiog. 

^  The  Pylians. 

*  i.  e.  Neptune.  Cf.  Virg.  TKn.  iii.  1 11),  wliose  verses  have  be(Ti  conv 
j)ared  with  the  present  by  Gclliu.s,  xiii.  15.  Macrob.  Sat.  iii.  4.  ' 


9— SG.] 


ODYSSEY..  III. 


2!) 


bulls  to  each.  Then  they  tastecD  the  entrails,  and  burned  the 
tliighs  for  the  god.  But  they  came  ashore  straight,  and  hav¬ 
ing  lifted  up  tlie  sails  of  tlie  equaD  sliip  furled  [them],  and 
moored  it  ;  and  they  themselves  disembarked.  Telemachus 
tlien  disembarked  from  the  ship :  but  Minerva  led  the  way : 
the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  first  addressed  him : 

“  Telemachus,  no  longer  hast  thou  need  of  modesty,  not 
even  a  little ;  for  on  that  account  hast  thou  sailed  over  the 
sea,  that  thou  mayest  inquire  about  thy  father,  where  the 
earth  conceals  him,  and  what  fate  he  has  drawn  on  himself. 
But  come  now,  go  straight  to  horse-taming  Nestor ;  let  us 
see”^  what  coun  el  he  has  concealed  in  his  breast.  But  be¬ 
seech  him  to  tell  thee  what  is  true:  but  he  will  not  speak  a 
falsehood;  for  he  is  very  prudent.” 

Prudent  Telemaclius  tlien  addressed  her  in  turn :  “  Men¬ 
tor,  how  shall  1  approach,  how  shall  I  salute  him?  I  am 
not  at  all  experienced  in  prudent  discourse;  besides  there  is 
diffidence^  for  a  young  man  to  question  an  older.” 

But  him  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  again  addressed  : 
‘‘  Telemachus,  thou  wilt  thyself  perceive  some  things  in  thine 
own  mind,  and  the  deity^  will  suggest  others  :  for  I  do  not 
think  that  thou  wast  born  or  nourished  against  the  will  of  the 
gods.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  Pallas  Minerva  quickly  led  the  way. 
And  he  went  immediately  after  the  steps  of  the  deity ;  and 
they  came  to  the  assembly  and  seats  of  the  Pylians.  There 
vSat  Nestor  with  his  sons ;  and  around  were  his  companions 
preparing  the  feast,  roasting  flesh,  and  fixing  other  things 
on  spits.  They  then,  when  they  saw  the  strangers,  all  came 
together,  and  in  salutation  took  them  by  the  hand,  and  bade 
them  sit  down.  Pisistratus,  son  of  Nestor,  first  coming  near, 

®  TradfTOfxai  in  the  active  form  signifies  to  sprinkle ;  in  the  middle,  to 
eat  or  taste. 

*  Carrying  equal  weight  on  both  sides. 

’  is  put  for  tiie  infinitive. 

®  aid^Q  is  rendered  by  Loewe,  “  sensus  pudoris.”  Translate  more 
freely,  “  there  is  a  sense  of  diffidence  in  a  young  man  addressing  an  el¬ 
der.” 

®  Whatever  Maximus  Tyrius,  Diss.  xxvi.,  may  say,  we  must  remem¬ 
ber  that  datfjnov  only  came  to  mean  a  guardian  spirit  in  the  writings 
found  after  tlie  time  of  Homer.  See  Kudolf  on  Ocellus  Lucan,  iii.  §  S, 
who  has  carefully  discussed  the  subject,  observing,  “  antiquissimis  teiu- 
poribus  datp.u)v  nihil  aliud  erat,  quam  Deus.” 


30 


ODYSSEY.  III. 


[37— *68 


took  the  hand  of  both,  and  placed  them  near  the  banquet,  on 
soft  fleeces,  on  the  sand  of  the  sea,  near  his  brother  Thrasy- 
medes  and  his  father.  And  then  he  gave  them  parts  of  the 
entrails,  and  poured  wine  into  a  golden  cup ;  and  stretching 
out  the  right  hand,^^  called  upon  Pallas  Minerva,  the  daugh¬ 
ter  of  ALgis-bearing  Jove : 

“  Pray  now,  O  stranger,  to  king  Neptune ;  for  at  his 
feast  have  ye  met  coming  here.  But  when  ye  have  made  li¬ 
bations  and  have  prayed,  as  is  the  custom,^ ^  then  to  him  also 
give  the  cup  of  sweet  wine  to  make  a  libation ;  since  I  think 
that  he  also  prays  to  the  immortals ;  for  all  men  have  need 
of  the  gods  :  but  he  is  younger  [than  thou],  and  of  equal  age 
with  myself:’-^  therefore  I  will  give  the  golden  cup  first  to 
thee.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  placed  the  cup  of  sweet  wine  in 
her  hands ;  and  Minerva  was  pleased  on  account  of  the  pru¬ 
dent  just  man,  because  he  gave  the  golden  cup  to  her  fli*st. 
And  she  straightway  prayed  much  to  king  Neptune. 

“  Hear,  thou  earth-containing  Neptune,  nor  envy  us  be¬ 
seeching  thee  to  accomplish  these  works.  To  Nestor  first 
and  to  his  sons  give  glory ;  but  afterward  to  others  grant  a 
grateful  recompense,  to  all  the  Pylians,  for  their  illustrious 
hecatomb :  and  grant  besides  that  Telemachus  and  I  may  re¬ 
turn,  having  performed  [the  things]  on  account  of  which  we 
came  hither  with  a  swift  black  ship.” 

Thus  then  she  prayed  ;  and  she  herself  accomplished  all 
things,  but  she  gave  the  beautiful  round  cup'^  to  Telemachus. 
In  the  same  manner  prayed  the  dear  son  of  Ulysses.  And 
when  they  had  roasted  the  upper^^  flesh  and  had  taken  it  off 
having  distributed  the  shares,  they  made  a  glorious  feast. 
But  when  tliey  had  removed  the  desire  of  drinking  and  eat¬ 
ing,  to  them  the  Gerenian  knight  Nestor  began  discourse : 

The  form  of  drinking  a  toast.  Athenasus,  i.  11.  tdt^iovvTo,  TTpoirl- 
vovTiQ  iavToiQ,  raig  de'^laiQ.  On  the  reduplicated  form 
&ce  Thiersch  Gk.  Gr.  p.  435,  Sandford’s  translation. 

See  Loewe. 

^  Literally,  there  is  equal  age  to  him  with  myself. 

But  dp^iKVTTtWov  {which  is  an  adjective,  always  being  found  joined 
with  another  word)  rather  means  a  vessel  which  has  a  KvirtWov,  or  cup, 
at  both  ends.  See  Buttm.  Lexil.  p.  33,  sq.  A  similar  vessel  is  used  to 
measure  a  penny  or  halfpenny-worth  of  hazel-nuts  in  the  streets  of  Lon¬ 
don.  **  So  called  in  opposition  to  the  viscera. 


G9— 101.] 


ODYSSEY.  III. 


^  1 
o  1 

“Now  then  it  is  more  proper  to  ask  and  inquire  of  the 
strangers,  who  they  are,  since  they  are  satisfied  with  food. 
O  strangers,  who  are  ye  ?  from  whence  do  ye  sail  over  tlie 
moist  ways"?^^  Do  ye  wander  on  account  of  some  business 
or  at  random,  as  pirates  over  the  sea?  who  wander  exposing 
tlieir  lives,  bearing  ills  to  strangers  ?” 

Prudent  Telemachus  in  turn  answered  him,  taking  confi¬ 
dence  ;  for  Minerva  herself  had  infused  confidence  into  his 
mind,  that  he  might  inquire  of  him  concerning  his  absent  fa¬ 
ther,  [and  that  he  might  obtain  great  glory  among  men.]‘® 

“  O  Nestor,  son  of  Neleus,  great  glory  of  the  Grecians, 
thou  askest  from  whence  we  are ;  and  I  will  tell  thee.  We 
have  come  from  Ithaca,  [situate]  under  Neius,  and  this  is  a 
private,  not  a  public  business,  which  I  mention.  I  come  [to 
inquire]  after  the  wide  renown  of  my  father,  if  I  should  any 
where  hear  of  him,  godlike,  patient  Ulysses ;  whom  they  say, 
some  time  ago,  fighting  together  wdth  thee,  sacked  the  city 
of  the  Trojans.  For  all  the  others,  as  many  as  made  wai* 
with  the  Trojans,  we  have  heard  of,  [as  to]  where  each  per¬ 
ished  in  sad  destruction :  but  his  death  the  son  of  Saturn  has 
made  unheard  of.  For  no  one  can  tell  clearly  where  he  has 
perished :  whether  he  has  been  subdued  on  the  continent  by 
hostile  men,  or  whether  in  the  sea  among  the  waves  of  Am- 
phitrite.^”^  Wherefore  I  now  come  to  [beseech  thee  by]  thy 
knees,  if  thou  art  willing  to  tell  of  his  mournful  death,  if  thou 
hast  any  where  beheld  it  with  thine  eyes,  or  hast  heard  the 
tale  of  any  one  else  wandering :  for  his  mother  brought  him 
forth  exceedingly  calamitous.  Nor  by  any  means  reverencing 
me  soothe  me,  nor  pitying  me,  but  tell  me  plainly,  as  thou 
hast  happened  to  witness  it;’®  I  beseech  thee,  if  ever  my  fa¬ 
ther,  the  good  Ulysses,  has  performed  any  word  or  deed  for 
thee,  having  promised  it,  among  the  people  of  the  Trojans, 
where  you  Greeks  suffered  ills,  be  mindful  of  these  things 
now,  and  tell  me  truly.” 

**  It  must  be  remembered  that  jiiracy  was  not  esteemed  dishonorable 
in  the  heroic  ajxes.  See  Tliucyd.  i.  5.  The  same  feeling  prevailed  among 
the  Lacedasmonians  and  the  ancient  Germans  (cf.  Davis  on  Caes.  B,  G. 
vi,  23),  the  Danes  (Steph.  on  Saxo  Grammat.  ii.  p.  GO).  Compare  Mal¬ 
let’s  Northern  Antiquities,  ix.  p.  173,  sqq.  ed.  Bohn. 

A  doubtful  verse. 

”  The  wife  of  Neptune,  here  put  for  the  sea. 

Literally,  “  as  you  have  met  the  sight  [of  it].” 


32 


ODYSSEY.  III. 


1 102— 143. 


But  to  him  the  Gerenian  knight  Nestor  made  answer  :  ‘‘  O 
friend,  since  tliou  hast  put  me  in  mind  of  the  toil,  which  we 
sons  of  the  Grecians,  irresistible  in  might,  suffered  among  that 
people,  both  whatever  things  [we  endured]  with  ships  wan¬ 
dering  over  the  darkling  sea  after  booty,  wheresoever  Achilles 
led  us,  and  whatever,  when  we  fought  about  the  great  city  of 
king  Priam,  where  afterward  were  slain  as  many  as  were  the 
bravest :  there  lies  warlike  Ajax,  and  there  Achilles,  and  there 
Patroclus,  a  counselor  equal  to  the  gods,  and  there  my  dear 
son,  both  brave  and  blameless,  Antilochus,  exceeding  swift  in 
running,  and  a  warrior :  and  many  other  evils  besides  these 
we  suffered.  Who,  indeed,  of  mortal  men  could  relate  them 
all  ?  Not  even  if  waiting  five  or  even  six  years,  thou  shouldst 
inquire  what  ills  the  divine  Grecians  suffered  there.  Sooner 
indeed  wouldst  thou  sorrowing  arrive  at  thy  paternal  land : 
for  nine  years  we  planned^^  evil  things,  attacking  them  around 
M’ith  all  kinds  of  stratagems;  and  the  son  of  Saturn  with  dif¬ 
ficulty  brought  them  to  an  end.  There  no  one  wished  to  be 
equal  in  counsel  to  him,  since  divine  Ulysses,  thy  sire,  sur- 
])assed  very  much  in  all  kinds  of  deceit ;  if  in  truth  thou  art 
liis  son  ;  astonishment  possesses  me  as  I  behold  thee;  for  in¬ 
deed  thy  discourse  is  like,  nor  would  you  say  that  a  younger 
man  speaks  so  like.  While,  then,  I  and  divine  Ulysses  were 
there,  we  never  spoke  at  variance  in  the  assembly  or  in  the 
council,  but  having  one  mind,  we  considered  in  our  thoughts 
and  prudent  reflection,  by  Avhat  means  the  best  possible  things 
might  be  done  by  the  Grecians.  But  when  we  had  thoroughly 
destroyed  the  lofty  city  of  Priam,  and  had  gone  away  in  the 
ships,  and  the  deity  had  dispersed  the  Grecians ;  then  indeed 
Jove  devised  in  his  mind  a  sad  return  for  the  Greeks ;  for 
they  were  by  no  means  all  prudent  or  just:  wherefore  many 
of  them  drew  on  themselves  an  evil  fate,  from  the  pernicious 
wrath  of  the  blue-eyed  goddess,  born  of  a  mighty  sire,  who  set 
contention  between  both  the  sons  of  Atreus.  But  they  having 
called  all  the  Grecians  to  an  assembly  in  vain,  but  not  accord¬ 
ing  to  what  was  right,  at  the  setting  sun  (for  the  sons  of  the 
Grecians  came  heavy  with  wine),  related  the  cause,  on  account 
of  which  they  assembled  the  people.  There  INIenelaus  com¬ 
manded  all  the  Grecians  to  be  mindful  of  a  return  over  the 
wide  hack  of  the  sea.  But  it  was  not  altogether  pleasing  to 
Literally,  “.sewed.”  Cf.  xv.  379,  423. 


U3— 179.] 


ODYSSEY  III. 


£3 

Agamemnon  ;  for  lie  wished  to  detain  the  people,  and  to  offer 
sacred  hecatombs,  that  he  miglit  ap[)case  the  dreadful  wrath  of 
Minerva,  foolish  man,  nor  knew  lie  at  all  that  he  would  not 
persuade  her;  for  the  intention  of  the  gods  who  exist  forever 
is  not  soon  turned.  Thus  they  stood  answering  one  another 
with  bitter  words ;  but  the  well-greaved  Greeks  leaped  u}) 
with  vast  clamor ;  for  the  counsel  pleased  them  in  a  divided 
manner.  During  the  night  "we  rested,  meditating  in  our  mind 
pernicious  things  to  one  another  ;  for  Jove  was  preparing  fur¬ 
ther  bane  of  evil.  But  in  the  morning  we  drew  our  ships  into 
the  boundless  sea,  and  stowed  our  goods  in  them,  and  our  deep- 
bosomed  women  :  but  half  the  people  were  detained,  remain¬ 
ing  there  with  Agamemnon,  the  son  of  Atreus,  the  shepherd 
of  the  people  ;  but  half  of  us  having  embarked  weighed  anchor. 
And  these  sailed  very  quickly ;  for  a  god  smoothed'-^  the  whalc- 
like^i  sea.  And  arriving  at  Tenedos  we  offered  sacrifices  to 
the  gods,  longing  for  home  but  Jupiter  did  not  yet  design 
our  return,  severe  indeed,  who  excited  evil  contention  again  a 
second  time.  The  others  with  the  prudent  crafty  king  Ulysses 
embarked  on  the  ships,  rowed  on  both  sides,  having  turned  hack 
again,  gratifying-^  Agamemnon,  the  son  of  Atreus.  But  I, 
with  the  collected  ships  wdiich  follow'ed  me,  fled,  since  I  knew 
that  the  deity  meditated  evil  things.  And  the  warlike  son  of 
Tydeus  fled,  and  incited  his  companions..  But  auburn-haired 
Menelaus  came  late  to  us,  and  found  us  in  Lesbos  planning  a 
long  voyage,  whether  we  should  sail  about  rough  Chios,  to 
the  island  Psyria,  keeping  it  on  our  left,  or  below  Chios,  near 
windy  Mimas.^^  We  besought  the  god  to  show  us  a  sign: 
and  he  showed  us  one,  and  commanded  us  to  cut  the  middle 
of  the  sea  to  Euboea,  that  we  might  escape  away  from  e\  il  as 
quickly  as  possible.  But  a  shrill  wind  sprang  up  and  blew  ; 
and  the  ships  ran  very  swiftly  through  the  fishy  way ;  and 
during  the  night  were  carried  to  Gerrestus ;  and  we  offered 
many  thighs  of  bulls  to  Neptune,  having  measured  the  mighty 

Literally,  “spread,”  “strewed  out.”  Cf.  Apoll.  Rhod.  i.  1154, 
iCTToptatp  divag.  Tlieocrit.  57,  aroptcrsvvTi  rd  Kvpara  rdv  re  ddXaaaav. 
Quint.  Calab.  vi.  102,  tvpka  ttuvtov  viroaropkiiai  yaXrjvr].  Cf.  Virg.  Et  1. 
i.\.  57.  iEn.  V.  821. 

The  epithet  ptyaKprta  merely  denotes  magnitude. 

More  literally  ])erhaps,  “having  a  homeward  longing.” 

Literally,  “ bearing  agreeable  things  to.” 

•*  A  mountain  opj)Osite  the  island  Chios,  so  called  from  one  of  the  giants, 

B  2 


34 


ODYSSEY.  III. 


[180—216. 


sea.  It  was  the  fourth  day  when  the  companions  of  horse- 
subduing  Diomede,  the  son  of  Tydeus,  stopped  their  equal 
ships  in  Argos :  but  1  kept  toward  I’ylos  ;  nor  did  the  wind 
ever  drop,  after  the  god  first  sent  it  fortli  to  blow.  Thus  I 
arrived,  my  dear  child,  without  any  knowledge,  nor  have  1 
learned  any  thing  of  them,  who  of  the  Greeks  were  saved, 
and  who  perished.  But  whatever  things  I  have  heard  while 
sitting  in  my  palace,  as  far  as  is  right,  thou  shalt  know,  nor 
will  1  conceal  them  from  thee.  Udiey  say  that  the  spear-liv- 
ing-5  Myrmidons  returned  well,  whom  the  glorious  son  ot 
magnanimous  Achilles  led ;  and  Piiiloctetes  [returned]  well, 
the  famous  son  of  Pieas ;  and  Idomeneus  led  all  his  compan¬ 
ions  to  Crete,  who  had  escaped  from  the  war,  and  the  sea  took 
away  no  one  from  him  ;  but  you  yourselves,  although  at  a  dis¬ 
tance,  hear  of  the  son  of  Atreus,  both  how  ho  came,  and  how 
M^]gisthus  devised  sad  death  for  him.  But  he  indeed  very 
miserably  paid  the  forfeit :  so  good  a  thing  is  it  that  a  son  of 
a  murdered  man  should  be  left,  since  he  avenged  himself  upon 
the  murderer  of  his  fatiier,  crafty  ^^gisth us,  who  slew  his  illus¬ 
trious  sire.  And  do  thou,  my  friend,  for  I  see  that  thou  art 
noble  and  great,  be  brave,  that  any  one  even  of  posterity  may 
speak  well  of  thee.” 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  addressed  in  turn  :  “  O  Nes¬ 
tor,  so’h  of  Neleus,  great  glory  of  the  Grecians,  he  did  indeed 
revenge  him  greatly,  and  the  Greeks  will  bring  to  him  renown 
far  and  wide,  and  for  those  who  shall  be  hereafter  to  learn. 
Would  that  the  gods  would  give  me  so  much  power  to  be  re¬ 
venged  on  the  suitors  for  their  troublesome  overbearing,  who 
insulting  me  devise  impious  things.  But  the  gods  have  not 
destined  such  happiness  for  my  father  and  me  ;  and  now  it  is 
necessary  to  endure  it.” 

But  him  the  Gerenian  knight  Nestor  then  answered :  “  O 
friend,  since  thou  host  put  me  in  mind  of,  and  hast  spoken 
tliese  things,  they  say  tlmt  many  suitors  on  account  of  thy 
mother  devise  evil  things  in  thy  palace,  against  thy  will ;  tell 
me,  whether  art  thou  overcome  willingly,  or  do  the  people 
hate  thee  publicly,  following  the  voice^^  of  God'?  But  who 
knows  whether  he  himself  shall  some  time  or  other  come,  and 

«yXfff<7tW|0o«,  “qaibus  fatum  ct  sors  in  armis  est.”  Loewe. 

**  i.  e.  obeyiiifj;  some  oracle,  TroWaKig  yap  ptdiaraaav  tovq  jdaaiXttf, 
{lavTt'iaQ  iiTiyivopkvpQ.  Eustath. 


2 1 7— 252.] 


ODYSSEY.  III. 


35 


revenge  their  violence,  being  alone,  or  even  all  the  Greeks 
together  "?  For  if  blue-eyed  Minerva  was  so  willing  to  love 
thee,  as  slie  then  took  exceeding  care  of  glorious  Ulysses 
among  the  people  of  the  Trojans,  where  we  Grecians  sutfered 
griefs  (for  1  have  never  seen  gods  so  openly  loving,  as  Pal¬ 
las  Minerva  openly  stood  by  him) ;  if  she  was  thus  willing  to 
love  thee,  and  would  care  [for  thee]  in  her  mind,  then  forsooth 
some  one  of  them  would  be  forgetful  of  marriage.'’ 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn :  “  Old 
man,  I  do  not  at  all  think  that  this  word  will  be  brought  to 
pass ;  for  thou  hast  spoken  an  exceeding  great  thing ;  aston¬ 
ishment  possesses  me;  these  things  would  not  happen  to  me 
if  1  hoped  them,  nor  if  the  gods  should  so  be  willing.” 

But  him  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  in  turn  addressed : 
“Telemachus,  what  word  has  escaped  thy  lips?  God,  if  will¬ 
ing,  could  easily  save  a  man  even  from  a  distance.  But  I 
should  rather  wish,  having  suffered  many  griefs,  to  come  home 
and  behold  the  day  of  my  return,  than  coming  to  perish  at 
my  own  hearth,  as  Agamemnon  perished  by  the  stratagem  of 
^Fgisthus  and  his  own  wife.-^”^  But  indeed  not  even  the  gods 
are  able  to  ward  off  death,  which  is  common  to  all,'^®  even 
from  a  beloved  man  ;  whenever  the  pernicious  Fate  of  long- 
slumbering  death  seizes  him.” 

But  her^^  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn:  “Men¬ 
tor,  let  us  no  longer  talk  of  these  things  although  grieving. 
For  him  there  is  no  more  a  sure  return,  but  already  the  im¬ 
mortals  have  decreed  death  and  black  Fate  for  him.  But 
now  I  wish  to  inquire  and  ask  something  else  of  Nestor; 
since  he  above  others  is  acquainted  with  justice  and  pru¬ 
dence  ;  for  they  say  that  he  has  thrice  ruled  over  genera¬ 
tions  of  men;  so  that  to  me  he  seems  like  unto  the  immor¬ 
tals  to  behold.  O  Nestor,  son  of  Neleus,.  do  thou  tell  me  the 
truth,  how  did  wdde-ruling  Agamemnon,  the  son  of  Atreus, 
die?  Where  was  Menelaus?  What  destruction  did  crafty 
.<d:^gisthus  contrive  for  him  ^  since  he  slew  one  much  his  bet¬ 
ter.  Was  he^^  not  in  Achaean  Argos  ?  or  was  he  wandering 

But  construe  wX.  vtt'  'Aiy.  Kai  »/c  d\.  doXip,  “et  id  quidem  dolo 
mnlo.” 

So  TToXf/ioc  6/^o/Voc,  in  Avhich  all  run  equal  risk.  Od.  xviii.  204. 
Cf.  Hor.  Od.  iv.  7,  23,  sqq. 

**  i.  e.  Minerva  speaking  as  Mentor. 


Menelaus. 


ODYSSEY.  III. 


36 


[252—28 ! . 


somewhere  else  among  men  ;  and  did  he,  having  taken  cour¬ 
age,  slay  him'?” 

Then  the  Gerenian  knight  Nestor  answered  him :  “  1  will 
indeed  then  tell  thee  all  things  true,  my  son  ;  for  thou  thyself 
dost  suspect  this,  as  it  in  truth  happened.  If  auburn -haired 
Menelaus,  son  of  Atreus,  coming  from  Troy  had  found  iEgis- 
thus  alive  in  the  palace;  he  w^ould  not  have  poured^^  upon 
him  when  dead  the  crumbled  earth,  but  ceilainly  dogs  and 
birds  would  have  eaten  him  lying  on  the  plain  far  from  Ar¬ 
gos;  nor  would  any  one  of  the  Grecian  women  have  mourned 
him  ;  for  he  devised  a  very  heinous^^  deed.  For  we  sat  there 
accomplishing  many  labors ;  but  he  at  leisure  in  the  recess 
of  horse- pasturing  Argos  soothed  the  wife  of  Agamemnon 
very  much  wdth  words;  the  divine  Clytemnestra  herself  in¬ 
deed  before  refused^^  the  disgraceful  deed,  for  she  possessed  a 
good  understanding :  for  there  w^as  with  her  a  man,  a  bard, 
to  whom  the  son  of  Atreus,  when  he  set  out  to  Troy,  gave 
earnest  charge  to  preserve  his  wdfe.  But  when  the  Fate  of 
the  gods  bound  her  that  she  should  be  subdued,  then  leading 
the  bard  to  a  desert  island,  he34  left  him  to  become  a  spoil 
and  prey  for  birds ;  but  he  willing  led  her  w  illing^^  to  his 
own  home.  And  he  burned  many  thighs  on  the  sacred  altars 
of  the  gods,  and  suspended  many  ornaments  and  tapestry,  and 
gold,  after  he  had  accomplished  the  heinous  deed,  which  he 
had  never  expected  in  his  mind.  Now  we  indeed  setting  out 
from  Troy  sailed  together,  the  son  of  Atreus  and  myself,  hav¬ 
ing  a  friendly  disposition  tow^ard  one  another :  but  w  hen  we 
came  to  sacred  Sunium,  the  promontory  of  Athens,  there 
Phoebus  Apollo,^®  coming  against  him  with  h's  soft  darts, 
slew  the  pilot  of  Menelaus,  while  holding  in  his  liands  the 
rudder  of  the  ship  as  it  went  along,  Phrontis,  son  of  Onetor, 
who  surpassed  the,  tribes  of  men  in  steering  a  ship,  when 
tempests  pressed  upon  it.  Thus  he,  although  hastening  on 

See  my  note  on  ii.  222. 

Tlie  word  }xiya  constantly  signifies  heinous,  as  here.  So  Pindar, 
Nemean  x.  vs.  120, 

fxiya  tp- 

yov  (pt](TavT  ojKsiog.  Old  Translator. 

Cf.  Buttm.  Lexil.  p.  118.  i.  e.  iEgisthus. 

”  Probably  imitated  by  Euripides,  Iph.  Aid.  75,  ipwv  tpioaav 
l^avapiracraQ.  'Fj\ivT}v, 

Sudden  deaths  were  attributed  to  the  arrows  of  A})ollo. 


284—320.] 


ODYSSEY.  III. 


37 


his  voyage,  was  detained  here,  that  he  might  bury  his  com¬ 
panion,  and  perform  the  funeral  rites.  But  when  he  also, 
going  over  the  dark  sea  in  his  hollow  ships,  came  running  to 
the  lofty  mountain  of  the  Maleans,  then  far-beholding  Jove 
decreed  a  hateful  journey  for  him,  and  poured  upon  him  tiie 
blast  of  the  shrill  winds,  and  the  mighty  swollen  waves,  equal 
to  mountains  ;  there  having  divided  the  beet,  he  made  part 
approach  Crete,  where  the  Cydonians  dwelt,  about  the  streams 
of  Jardanus.  But  there  is  a  certain  smooth  lofty  rock  in  the 
sea,  at  the  extremity  of  Gortys,  in  the  shadowy  main.  There 
tlie  south  wind  thrusts  the  great  wave  to  the  dangerous^^ 
promontory  to  Phoestus  ;  but  a  small  rock  wards  off  a  mighty 
wave.  The  ships  then  came  here,  and  the  men  with  great 
care  avoided  death,  but. the  waves  broke  the  ships  against  the 
crags;  but  the  wind  and  wave  bearing  five  azure-prowed 
ships,  made  them  approach  to  Egypt.  Thus  fixr  he,  collecting 
much  property  and  gold,  wandered  with  liis  ships  to  men  of 
a  different  language.  But  in  the  mean  time  iEo-isthus  dc- 
vised  these  sad  things  at  home,  havin"  slain  the  son  of  Atre- 
us;  and  the  people  were  subdued  under  him.  For  seven 
years  then  he  reigned  over  Mycene  rich  in  gold  ;  but  in  the 
eighth  year  divine  Orestes  came  back  from  Athens,  an  evil 
for  him,  and  slew  the  murderer  of  his  father,  crafty  Ailgisthus, 
who  slew  his  illustrious  father.  He  then  having  slain  him 
gave  a  funeral  banquet^®  to  the  Argives  for  his  hateful  mother 
and  unwarlike  -dEgisthus  but  on  the  same  day  Menelaus 
strenuous  in  battle  came  to  him,  bringing  many  possessions, 
whatever  his  ships  carried  as  their  burden. 

“  And  do  not  thou,  my  friend,  wander  long  at  a  distance 
from  home,  leaving  thy  possessions  and  men  so  overbearing  in 
thine  house  ;  lest  they  should  consume  all,  dividing  your  pos¬ 
sessions,  and  you  should  have  come  a  vain  journey.  But  I 
advise  and  exhort  thee  to  go  to  Menelaus ;  for  he  has  lately 
come  from  elsewhere,  from  those  people  ;  from  whence  that 
man  could  not  hope  in  his  mind  to  come,  whomsoever  first  the 

(TKaibv,  like  the  Latin  “lasvum,  ”  unluchj,  fatal. 

®  Td<po<;,  Trepidinri^ov  t7ri  r?)  twi>  olxoph^ujj'  ti/j.}},  Ilesychius.  Cf.  II. 

29.  Hesiod,  tpy.  735.  The  Latins  called  it  “  silieernium.” 

The  question  whether  Homer  was  acquainted  Avith  the  lej^end  of 
Orestes’  ))ersecution  by  the  Erinnyes  has  been  discussed  by  Muller,  Eu' 
nienid.  §  87,  p.  204,  note. 


38 


ODYSSEY.  III. 


[321—355. 


storms  had  driven  out  of  liis  course^®  to  so  vast  a  sea  ;  from 
whence  not  even  birds  can  come  in  the  same  year,  since  it  is 
vast  and  terrible.  But  go  now  with  thy  ship  and  tliy  compan¬ 
ions  ;  or,  if  thou  dost  prefer  it  on  land,  there  is  a  chariot  and 
horses  ready  for  thee,  and  my  sons  are  ready,  who  will  be  thy 
conductors  to  divine  Lacedaemon,  where  auburn-haired  Mene- 
laus  dwells.  And  beseech  him,  that  he  may  tell  thee  true : 
but  he  will  not  speak  a  falsehood ;  for  he  is  very  prudent.” 

Thus  he  spoke  :  but  the  sun  set,  and  darkness  came  on  ; 
and  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  addressed  them : 

“  Old  man,  of  a  truth  tliou  bast  spoken  these  things  I’ight- 
ly;  but  come,.cut‘^  indeed  the  tongues,  and  mix  the  wine, 
that  having  made  libations  to  Neptune  and  the  other  immor¬ 
tals,  we  may  think  of  our  bed ;  for  [this  is]  the  hour  for  it. 
For  now  the  light  is  gone  under  the  gloom  ;  nor  is  it  right  to 
sit  long  at  a  feast  of  the  gods,  but  to  return.” 

The  daughter  of  Jove  spoke,  and  they  heard  her  address¬ 
ing  [them].  And  the  heralds  poured  water  upon  their  hands, 
and  the  youths  crowned  the  bowls  of  wine  ;  and  they  distrib¬ 
uted  to  all,  beginning  with  the  cups ;  and  they  threw  the 
tongues  in  the  fire,  and  standing  up  poured  out  a  libation. 
But  when  they  had  made  a  libation,  and  had  drunk  as  much 
as  their  mind  wished,  tlien  indeed  Minerva  and  godlike  Telem- 
achus  both  desired  to  go  to  their  hollow  ship  ;  but  Nestor  hin¬ 
dered  them,  chiding  them  with  words : 

“  May  Jove  liinder  this,  and  the  other  immortal  gods,'*^  that 
ye  should  go  from  me  to  your  swift  ship,  as  from  one  who  is 
altogether  without  a  garment,  or  poor,  who  has  neither  cloaks 
or  many  blankets  in  his  house,  nor  wherein  for  himself  or  his 
guests  to  sleep  softly.  But  I  indeed  have  cloaks  and  beauti¬ 
ful  blankets.  The  dear  son  of  this  man  Ulysses  shall  by  no 
means  lie  down  on  the  deck  of  a  ship,  wliile  I  am  alive  ;  but 
afterward  may  my  sons  be  left  in  my  palace  to  entertain  the 
guests,  whoever  may  come  to  my  house.” 

*0  This  is  the  full  sense  of  aTrotrcpijXwcnv,  understanding  uSov.  See 
Loewe. 

It  was  customary  at  a  feast,  to  cut  off  the  tongues  of  tlie  sacrifices 
and  burn  them,  when  it  was  time  to  I'etire  to  bed ;  meaning  that  con¬ 
versation  should  cease ;  and  that  the  company  should  now  go  to  rest. 
See  the  Scholiast. 

On  this  formula,  'Aevg  Kui  9eoi  dXXoi,  see  my  note  on  Alsch.  From 
p.  3,  n.  3,  ed.  Bohn. 


356—392.] 


ODYSSEY.  III. 


39 


The  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  addressed  him  in  turn : 
‘‘Thou  hast  spoken  these  things  well,  O  dear  old  man  ;  but 
it  is  fit  for  thee  to  persuade  Telemachus,  since  thus  it  is  much 
better.  But  he  will  now  follow  in  company  with  you,  that 
he  may  sleep  in  your  palace  ;  but  I  am  going  to  my  black 
ship,  that  I  may  cheer  on  my  companions,  and  order  every 
thing;  for  I  alone  boast  myself  to  be  older  among  them,  but 
the  others  younger  men  follow  on  account  of  friendship,  all  of 
an  equal  age  with  high-minded  Telemachus.  There  I  may 
now  rest  in  the  hollow,  black  ship ;  but  at  dawn  I  am  going 
to  the  magnanimous  Cauconians,  where  a  debt  is  owed  me, 
not  by  any  means  recent,  or  little;  but  do  you,  since  he  has 
come  to  thy  house,  send  him,  with  a  chariot  and  your  son  : 
and  give  him  horses,  which  are  the  fleetest  to  run,  and  most 
excellent  in  strength.” 

Having  thus  spoken,  blue-eyed  Minerva  departed  likened 
unto  an  eagle  ;  and  astonishment  seized  all  who  beheld ;  and 
the  old  man  wondered,  when  he  saw  her  with  his  eyes ;  and 
he  laid  hold  of  the  hand  of  Telemachus,  and  spoke,  and  said : 

“  O  friend,  I  do  not  expect  that  thou  wilt  be  a.  coward 
and  un warlike,  since  the  gods  thus  accompany  thee,  who  art 
young,  as  thy  conductors.  For  this  was  no  one  else  of  those 
who  possess  the  Olympian  houses,  than  the  daughter  of  Jove, 
most  gloiious  Minerva,^^  who  honored  also  your  excellent 
sire  among  the  Grecians.  But,  O  queen,  be  propitious  and 
grant  me  good  renown,  for  myself,  and  my  children,  and  my 
venerable  wife ;  but  to  thee  I  will  sacrifice  a  cow  of  one  year 
old,  of  a  wide  forehead,  untamed,  which  man  has  not  yet  led 
under  the  yoke.  Her  I  will  sacrifice  to  thee,  having  poured 
gold  round  her  horns.” 

Thus  he  spoke  praying :  but  Pallas  Minerva  heard  him. 
But  the  Gerenian  knight  Nestor  led  them,  his  sons,  and  his 
sons-in-law  to  his  beautiful  palace.  And  when  they  came  to 
the  all-illustrious  palace  of  the  king,  they  sat  in  order  on  the 
couches  and  the  thrones.  And  the  old  man  mixed  for  them 
as  they  came  a  bowl  of  sweet  wine,  which  the  housekeeper 
opened  in  the  eleventh  year,  and  loosed  the  fasten ings.'^‘^  Of 

Tpiroyevfia  is  an  epithet  of  Minerva,  most  jn’obably  derived  from 
the  old  Boeotian  word  rptrw  =  caput,  referring  to  the  story  of  Minerva 
being  sprung  from  the  liead  of  Jove. 

Not  “stoppers.”  Sec  Loevve. 


40 


ODYSSEY.  HI. 


|;3fl  .430. 


this  the  old  man  mixed  a  bowl,  and  pouring  forth  a  lujation 
prayed  much  to  Minerva,  daughter  ot  yEgis- hearing  Jupiter. 

But  when  they  had  made  libations,  and  drank  as  much  as 
their  mind  desired,  some  of  them  went  to  sleep,  each  to  their 
own  home ;  but  the  Gerenian  knight  Nestor  made  TelemU' 
chus,  the  dear  son  of  divine  Ulysses,  sleep  there  in  wrought’- 
beds  under  the  echoing  portico :  and  near  him  Pisastratus, 
skilled  in  tlie  spear,  chieftain  of  men,  who  of  his  sons  was 
still  unmarried  in  his  palace:  but  liimself  again  slept  in  th*. 
recess  of  his  lofty  house  :  and  for  him  his  wife  the  queen  pie- 
pared  a  couch  and  bed. 

But  when  the  mother  of  dawn,  rosy-fingered  morning,  ap¬ 
peared,  the  Gerenian  knight  Nestor  arose  from  his  bed.  And 
coming  out  he  sat  down  on  the  polished  stones  which  were 
before  his  lofty  gates,  white,  shining  with  oil,  on  which  Nc- 
leus  before  used  to  sit,  a  counselor  equal  to  the  gods.  But 
he,  already  subdued  by  fate,  had  gone  to  Hades.  But  Gere¬ 
nian  Nestor,  the  guardian  of  the  Grecians,  then  sat  there, 
holding  his  sceptre  ;  and  around  him  his  sons  were  assembled 
together,  coming  from  their  chambers,  Echephron,  and  tStrati- 
us°  and  Perseus,  and  Aretus,  and  godlike  Thrasymedes  ;  and 
after  them  the  sixth,  the  hero  Pisistratus,  came  ;  and  leading 
godlike  Telemachus  they  seated  him  near  him.  And  the  Ge¬ 
renian  knight  Nestor  began  an  address  to  them. 

“Quickly,  my  dear  children,  accomplish  my  desire:  that  I 
may  supplicate  Minerva  first  of  the  gods,  who  came  manifest 
to  me  to  a  solemn  feast  of  the  god.  But  let  one  go  to  the 
plain  for  a  heifer,  that  a  herdsman  may  come  with  all  haste, 
and  bring  a  heifer.  And  let  another  go  to  the  black  ship  of 
magnanimous  Telemachus,  and  bring  all  his  companions,  but 
let  him  leave  two  only :  and  let  another  command  the  gold¬ 
smith  Laerceus  to  come  hither,  tliat  he  may  pour  gold  about 
the  horns  of  the  heifer.  But  do  the  rest  of  you  remain  here 
together,  and  bid  the  handmaidens  within  prepare  a  glorious 
feast  in  the  palace,  and  place  seats  and  wood  around,  and 
bring  clear  water.” 

Tims  he  spoke  ;  and  they  all  were  busily  occupied  ;  a  heifer 

Cf.  i.  440,  Trapa  Tpr^rolQ  Loewe  thinks  the  simplest  wnt 

of  understanding  this  usage,  is  to  take  npui^  iis  freely  used  for  the  sm/p- 
ture  or  frame,  so  that  TppTov  Xexoi;  is  the  same  as  kXktiii  divuiri)  or  tv' 

TUKTOg. 


431—466.] 


ODYSSEY.  III. 


41 


then  came  from  the  plain :  and  the  companions  of  magnan¬ 
imous  Telemachus  came  from  the  swift  equal  ship  ;  and  the 
smith  came,  having  his  brazen  instruments  in  his  hands,  the 
implements  of  art,  an  anvil  and  hammer,  and  well-made  tongs, 
with  wdiich  he  worked  the  gold  ;  and  Minerva  came  to  par¬ 
take  of  the  sacred  rites :  and  the  old  horseman  Nestor  gave 
the  gold :  but  he  then,  having  prepared  it,  poured  it  around 
the  horns  of  the  heifer,  that  the  goddess  might  rejoice  on  be¬ 
holding  the  ornament.  But  Stratius  and  divine  Echephron 
led  the  heifer  by  the  horns  :  and  Aretus  came,  bringing  water 
from  the  chamber  in  a  caldron  embossed  with  flow’ers ;  and 
ill  the  other  hand  he  held  cakes  in  a  basket.  But  Thrasy- 
niedes,  persevering  in  the  fight,  stood  near,  holding  in  his 
hand  a  sharp  axe,  to  strike  the  heifer.  And  Perseus  held  the 
vessel  for  catching  the  blood  and  the  old  horseman  Nestor 
began  with  [sprinkling]  the  water  and  the  cakes :  and  having 
offered  the  first-fruits,  he  prayed  much  to  Minerva,  throwing 
the  hairs  of  the  head  in  the  fire.  But  when  they  had  prayed 
and  thrown  forth  the  cakes,  straightway  high-minded  Tliras- 
ymedes,  the  son  of  Nestor,  standing  near  struck  the  blow ; 
and  the  hatchet  cut  the  tendons  of  the  neck,  and  loosed  the 
strength  of  the  heifer.  But  they  shouted,  the  daughters  and 
daughters-in-law,  and  Eurydice,  the  venerable  wife  of  Nestor, 
the  eldest  of  the  daughters  of  Clymenus.  They  then  raising 
it  up  from  the  spacious  earth  held  it ;  but  I’isistratus,  chief¬ 
tain  of  men,  killed  it.  And  when  the  black  blood  flowed  from 
it,  and  life  had  left  its  bones,  they  quickly  divided  it ;  and  soon 
cut  (/tf  all  the  thighs,  as  was  right,  and  covered  them  with  fat, 
having  doubled  them ;  and  put  the  raw  parts  upon  them  :  and 
the  old  man  roasted  them  on  the  fagots,  and  poured  glowing 
wine  over  them ;  and  near  him  the  young  men  held  in  their 
hands  five-pronged  spits.  But  when  the  thighs  were  burned, 
and  they  had  tasted  the  entrails,  they  both  cut  up  the  other 
parts  into  bits,  and  fixed  them  on  spits,  and  roasted  them, 
holding  in  their  hands  the  sharp  spits.  But  meanwhile  beau¬ 
tiful  Polycaste,  the  youngest  daughter  of  Nestor,  the  son  of 
Neleus,  washed  Telemachus.  But  when  she  had  washed  him, 
and  anointed  him  with  rich  oil,^^  and  had  thrown  a  beautiful 

ofiviov,  TO  Tov  ainaroQ  ciktikov  ayytlov.  East. 

Heyne,  on  Horn.  11.  x.  577,  regards  this  as  an  old  substantive, 
XiTTog,  used  for  an  adjective. 


42 


ODYSSEY.  III. 


[4G7— 497. 


vest  and  garment  around  him,  he  went  out  of  the  bath  like 
unto  the  immortals  in  person  ;  and  going  near  Nestor,  the 
shepherd  of  the  people,  he  sat  down.  But  when  they  had 
roasted  the  upper  parts  and  had  separated  them,  they  sat  down 
and  feasted ;  and  the  excellent  men  arose,  pouring  wine  into 
the  golden  cups.  But  when  they  had  taken  away  the  desire 
of  eating  and  drinking,  the  Gerenian  knight  Nestor  began  to 
address  them: 

“  My  sons,  come,  lead  forth,  and  yoke  under  the  chariot 
beautif^ul-h aired  horses  for  Telemachus,  that  he  may  perform 
his  journey.” 

Thus  he  spoke :  but  they  quickly  heard  and  obeyed  him  ; 
and  they  swiftly  yoked  the  swift  horses  under  the  chariot ; 
and  the  housekeeper  placed  in  it  bread  and  wine,  and  dainties, 
such  as  Jove-nourished  kings  eat.  Telemachus  then  mounted 
the  very  beautiful  chariot ;  and  near  him  Pisistratus,  the  chief¬ 
tain  of  men,  son  of  Nestor,  mounted  the  chariot,  and  took 
the  reins  in  his  hands,  and  scourged  them  that  they  might  go 
on  ;  and  they  twain  flew  not  unwilling  to  the  plain,  and  left 
the  lofty  citadel  of  Pylos.  And  all  the  day  they  shook  the 
yoke  holding  it  on  both  sides :  and  the  sun  set,  and  all  the 
ways  were  overshadowed.  And  they  came  to  Pherae,  to  the 
house  of  Diodes,  son  of  Orsilochus,  whom  Alpheus  begot  for 
his  son.  There  they  rested  during  the  night;  and  he  gave 
them  hospitable  gifts. 

But  when  the  mother  of  dawn,  rosy-fingered  morning,  ap¬ 
peared,  they  yoked  the  horses  and  mounted  the  variegated 
chariots :  [and  drove  out  of  the  vestibule,  and  the  resounding 
portico.]’®  And  he  scourged  them  that  they  might  go  on  ; 
and  they  twain  flew  not  unwilling  :  and  they  came  to  the 
wheat-producing  plain  ;  there  then  they  finished  their  jour¬ 
ney;  for  so  quickly  the  swift  horses  ran.  And  the  sun  set, 
and  all  the  ways  were  overshadowed. 

**  A  suspected  verse. 


1—20.] 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


43 


BOOK  IV. 

ARGUMENT. 

Menelaus  entertains  Pisistratus  and  Telemachus;  the  latter  of  whom  re¬ 
lates  the  state  of  matters  in  Ithaea,  and  makes  inquiries  respecting  liis 
father.  Menelaus  then  gives  him  the  particulars  of  the  return  of  the 
Grecians,  as  far  as  he  is  acquainted  with  them ;  and  informs  Telema¬ 
chus  that  he  had  been  acquainted  by  Proteus,  that  Ulysses  was  being 
detained  by  Calypso.  At  Ithaca,  in  the  mean  time,  the  suitors  in 
council  determine  to  lay  wait  for  Telemachus  on  his  return,  and  put 
him  to  death.  Minerva  comforts  Penelope,  who  was  afflicted  at  her 
son’s  absence,  by  a  dream,  appearing  to  her  in  the  form  of  Ipthimc, 
the  sister  of  Penelope. 

They  came  to  hollow  Lacedtemon  with  its  many  clefts;^ 
and  they  drove  to  the  house  of  glorious  Menelaus.  And  they 
found  him  making  a  nuptial  feast  in  his  house,  of  his  son  and 
spotless  daughter,  to  many  friends.^  Her  he  sent  to  the  son 
of  the  warlike  Achilles ;  for  in  Troy  he  first  promised  and 
agreed  that  he  would  bestow  her :  and  the  gods  brought  their 
marriage  to  pass.  He  sent  her  to  go  there  with  horses  and 
chariots,  to  the  illustrious  city  of  the  Myrmidons,  over  whom 
he  reigned :  and  to  his  son  he  brought  from  Sparta  the 
daughter  of  Alector,  who  was  born  to  him  in  his  old  age, 
brave  Megapenthes,  from  a  slave :  but  the  gods  no  more  gave 
an  offspring  to  Helen,  after  she  had  first  brought  forth  her  love¬ 
ly  daughter  Hermione,  who  had  the  form  of  golden  Venus. 

So  these  neighbors  and  friends  of  glorious  Menelaus  feast¬ 
ed  in  the  lofty-roofed,  large  house,  delighted:  and  among 
them  a  divine  bard  sang,  playing  on  the  harp ;  and  two 
dancers  among  them  turned  round  in  the  middle,  the  song 
having  commenced.^  But  they  themselves  and  their  horses, 

^  Cf.  Buttmann,  Lexil.  p.  379-383,  where  he  has  completely  set  at 
rest  the  old  interpretations  of  tliis  word,  which  he  derives  primarily  from 
Loewe  has  adopted  tlie  same  view.  KoiX?/  is  applied  to 
Lacedajinon,  because  it  was  situated  in  the  valley  between  Mounts  Tay- 
getus  and  Parthenius. 

“  His  son  Megapenthes  wedded  the  daughter  of  Alector,  and  his 
daughter  Hermione,  Neoptolemns. 

^  In  the  old  jn-ose  translation,  the  author  of  which  is  seldom  guilty  of 
losing  an  o^iportunity  for  a  blunder,  we  have  an  amusing  oscillation  be¬ 
tween  t^dpxoi^reg  and  t^dpxovTog.  Had  he  been  aware  that  the  com¬ 
mentary  of  Eustathius  on  this  passage  is  simply  a  quotation  from  Athc- 
Tiaeus,  who  read  l^dpxovrog,  he  would  have  seen  that  the  reading,  not  the 
I  interpretation,  was  the  question. 


44 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


pi— 58. 


the  hero  Telemachus  and  the  illustrious  son  of  Nestor,  stood 
in  the  vestibule  of  the  house:  but  excellent  Eteoneus,  the 
trusty  servant  of  glorious  Menelaus,  corning  forwai-d,  saw 
them  ;  and  he  hastened  through  the  house  to  announce  them 
to  glorious  Menelaus ;  and  standing  near  him  spoke  winged 
words : 

“There  are  some  strangers  here,  O  Menelaus,  nourished 
of  Jupiter,  two  men,  and  they  are  like  unto  the  race  of  mighty 
Jove.  But  say,  whether  we  shall  loose  their  swift  horses, 
or  send  them  to  go  to  some  one  else,  who  may  receive  them 
kindly.” 

Auburn-haired  Menelaus  very  indignant  addressed  him  : 
“Formerly  indeed  thou  wast  not  foolish,  O  Eteoneus,  son  of 
Boetheus,  but  now,  like  a  child,  thou  speakest  foolish  things. 
AVe  indeed  having  consumed  many  hospitable  gifts  frorrr  other 
men  came  here ;  [to  see]  if  Jupiter  even  hereafter  shall  allow 
us  to  cease  from  toil but  loose  the  horses  of  the  strangers, 
and  bring  them  in  immediately  to  be  feasted.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  and  he  hastened  from  the  palace,  and  ex¬ 
horted  his  other  trusty  servants  to  follow  him.  But  they 
loosed  the  horses  sweating  under  the  yoke ;  and  bound  them 
to  the  horses’  manger:  and  they  set  oats  near  them,  and  mixed 
white  barley  with  them:  and  they  tilted  the  chariot  against 
the  shining  w^alls,  and  led  them  into  the  divine  house :  but 
they,  beholding,  marveled  at  the  house  of  the  Jove-nurtured 
king.  For  there  wms  a  splendor  like  as  of  the  sun  and  the 
moon,  through  the  lofty-roofed  house  of  glorious  Menelaus. 
But  when,  beholding  with  their  eyes,  they  were  satisfied,  going 
into  the  well-polished  baths  they  washed  themselves.  AVhen 
therefore  the  maid-servants  had  washed  them,  and  anointed 
them  with  oil,  and  had  also  thrown  Avoolen  cloaks  and  gar¬ 
ments  around  them,  they  set  them  on  thrones  near  Menelaus, 
the  son  of  Atreus.  And  a  handmaid  bringing  water  in  a  beau¬ 
tiful  golden  ewer,  poured  it  over  a  silver  caldron,  to  wash 
in  :  and  she  spread  a  polished  table  near  at  hand.  And  the 
venerable  housekeeper  brought  bread  and  set  it  near  them, 
serving  up  many  dainties,  gratifying  them  as  well  as  she  could 
out  of  the  provisions  that  were  at  hand.  And  the  waiter 
lifting  up  dishes  of  all  kinds  of  flesh  placed  them  near ;  and 

*  On  this  meaning  of  Kpt'uov  see  Loewe. 

^  I  have  some  doubts  about  this  passage. 


59—96.] 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


45 


set  near  them  golden  cups.  Auburn-haired  Menelaus  then 
giving  them  liis  right  hand  addressed  them : 

“Both  taste  food  and  rejoice;  but  when  ye  twain  have 
eaten  of  supper,  we  wdll  inquire  of  you,  who  of  men  you  are  ; 
for  the  race  of  your  parents  has  not  perished;  but  ye  are  the 
race  of  Jove-nurtured,  sceptre-bearing  kings ;  for  bad  men 
would  not  produce  such  as  ye  are.” 

Thus  he  spoke,  and  he  set  near  them  the  fat  back  of  an  ox, 
taking  in  his  hands  the  roasted  part,  which  they  had  placed 
near  him  as  an  honor :  and  they  stretched  forth  their  hands 
to  the  viands  lying  ready  before  them.  But  when  they  had 
taken  away  the  desire  of  drinking  and  eating,  then  Telema- 
chus  addressed  the  son  of  Nestor,  holding  his  head  near,  that 
the  others  might  not  hear : 

“  Consider,  thou  son  of  Nestor,  most  pleasing  to  my  mind, 
the  shining  of  the  brass  throughout  the  resounding  house,  and 
of  gold,  and  amber,  and  silver,  and  ivory.  Some  such,  for¬ 
sooth,  is  the  hall  of  the  Olympian  Jupiter  within.  How  many 
vast  tilings  are  here !  astonishment  possesses  me  as  I  behold 
them.” 

Auburn-haired  Menelaus  understood  him  speaking,  and  ad¬ 
dressing  them,  spoke  winged  w^ords : 

“  My  sons,  no  one  indeed  of  mortals  would  contend  with 
Jove;  for  immortal  are  his  houses  and  possessions  ;  but  any 
one  of  mortals  would  either  contend  with  me  in  possessions, 
or  not.  Certainly,  having  suffered  many  things,  and  having 
wandered  much,  I  was  brought  in  my  ships,  and  I  returned  in 
the  eighth  year :  having  wandered  to  Cyprus,  and  Phoenice, 
and  the  Egyptians,  I  came  to  the  Ethiopians  and  Sidonians, 
and  Erembians,  and  Libya,  where  the  lambs  immediately  be- 
come  horned.  For  the  sheep  bring  forth  thrice  in  a  whole 
year:  there  indeed  neither  king  nor  shepherd  is  in  want  of 
cheese  and  flesh,  nor  of  sweet  milk ;  but  they  always  furnish 
milk  for  milking  throughout  the  year.  AVhile  1  wandered 
collecting  much  livelihood  in  those  places,  in  the  mean  while 
another  slew  my  brother  secretly,  unexpectedly,  througli  the 
deceit  of  his  pernicions  wife :  so  I  by  no  means  rejoicing  rule 
over  these  possessions.  And  ye  must  have  heard  these  things 
from  your  fathers,  wdioever  they  be ;  for  I  have  suffered  very 
many  things,  and  have  lost  my  house,  which  was  very  well 
inhabited,  containing  many  and  excellent  things.  Of  which 


46 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


p7— 13a 


I  would  wish  having  even  tlie  third  part  to  dwell  in  my  house, 
and  that  the  men  should  be  safe  who  then  perished  in  spa¬ 
cious  Troy  far  from  horse-pasturing  Argos.  But  however 
mourning  and  grieving  for  all,  ofttimes  sitting  in  my  palace, 
sometimes  I  am  delighted  in  my  mind  with  grief,  at  other 
times  again  I  rest;  but  the  satiety  of  chilly  grief  is  quick.  I 
do  not  so  much  lament  for  all  these,  although  saddened,  as  for 
one,  who  makes  my  sleep  and  my  food  hateful  to  me,  when  I 
call  him  to  mind ;  since  no  one  of  the  Grecians  labored  so 
much,  as  Ulysses  labored  and  endured ;  but  for  him  indeed  it 
was  fated  that  there  should  be  sad  cares,  but  to  me  grief 
never  to  be  forgotten  on  account  of  him,  since  indeed  he  is  a 
long  time  absent,  nor  do  we  know  at  all  whether  he  is  alive 
or  dead.  Old  Laertes,  and  prudent  Penelope,  and  Telemachus 
whom  he  left  lately  born  in  his  house,  are  now  somewhere 
mourning  for  him.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  and  he  excited  in  him  the  desire  of  grief 
on  account  of  his  sire.  And  he  shed  tears  from  his  eyelids 
on  the  ground,  hearing  of  his  father,  holding  up  a  purple 
mantle  before  his  eyes  with  both  his  hands.  And  Menelaus 
perceived  him,  and  then  he  meditated  in  his  thoughts  and  in 
his  mind,  whether  he  should  leave  him  to  make  mention  of 
his  father,  or  should  .ask  him  first,  and  inquire  of  him  every 
thing. 

While  he  meditated  these  things  in  his  thoughts  and  in  his 
mind,  Helen  came  out  of  the  sweet-smelling,  lofty-roofed  cham¬ 
ber,  like  unto  Diana  of  the  golden  distafi*.  For  her  Adrasta 
immediately  placed  a  well-made  seat ;  and  Alcippe  brought 
tapestry  of  soft  wool ;  and  Phylo  brought  a  silver  basket, 
which  Alcandra  the  wife  of  Polybus  gave  her,  who  dwelt  in 
Egyptian  Thebes,  where  very  many  possessions  lie  in  his 
house :  who  gave  to  Menelaus  two  silver  baths,  and  two  tri¬ 
pods,  and  ten  talents  of  gold  ;  and  his  wife  moreover  gave 
beautiful  gifts  to  Helen  ;  she  presented  a  golden  distaff,  and 
a  round  basket,  silver,  but  the  lips  were  tinished  with  gold. 
This  indeed  the  handmaid  Phylo  brought  and  {)laced  near  her, 
filled  with  well-dressed  thread  ;  and  upon  it  the  distafi*  waii 
stretched,  containing  violet-colored  wool.  And  she  sat  on  the 
seat,  and  a  foot-stool  was  under  her  feet:  and  she  straight* 
*vay  inquired  every  thing  of  her  husband  with  w'ords : 

“  Do  we  know,  O  thou  Jove-nurtured  Menelaus,  what  men 


139—175.] 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


47 


these  are  who  profess  to  come  to  our  house  ?  Shall  I  say 
false,  or  shall  1  speak  the  truth  ?  For  my  mind  exhorts  me. 
For  I  say  that  I  have  never  seen  any  man  or  woman  so  like 
(reverence  possesses  me  as  1  behold  him)  as  he  is  like  unto 
Telemachus,  the  son  of  magnanimous  Ulysses,  whom  that 
man  left  lately  born  in  his  house,  when  ye  Grecians  came  to 
Troy  on  account  of  me,  immodest  one,  arousing  fierce  war.” 

Auburn-haired  Menelaus  answering  addressed  her :  “  So 
now  I  too  am  thinking,  my  wife,  as  thou  dost  conjecture. 
For  such  are  his  feet,  and  such  his  hands,  and  the  cast  of  his 
eyes,  and  his  head  and  his  locks  above.  And  I  just  now,  mak¬ 
ing  mention  of  Ulysses,  related  what  things  he  undergoing 
labor  suffered  on  my  account ;  but  he  shed  a  bitter  tear  from 
his  eyelids,  holding  up  his  purple  mantle  before  his  eyes.” 

Pisistratus,  the  son  of  Nestor,  addressed  him  in  answer: 
“  O  Menelaus,  son  of  Atreus,  nurtured  of  Jove,  chieftain  of 
the  people,  he  is  truly  his  son,  as  thou  sayest ;  [but  he  is  pru¬ 
dent,  and  is  indignant  in  mind,  coming  hither  first  to  show 
the  forwardness  by  entering  first  on  the  discourse  in  your 
presence,®  with  whose  voice,  as  of  a  god,  we  are  delighted.] 
]5ut  the  Gerenian  knight  Nestor  sent  me  forth,  to  accompany 
him  as  a  guide ;  for  he  desired  to  see  thee,  that  thou  mayest 
suirgest  some  word  or  some  deed  to  him.  For  the  son  of  an 
absent  father,  to  whom  there  are  no  other  assistants,  suffers 
many  griefs  in  his  palace;  so  now  is  it  with  Telemachus;  he 
indeed  is  gone,  nor  are  there  others  among  the  people  who 
may  ward  off*  calamity.” 

But  him  auburn-haired  Menelaus  answering  addressed: 
“  O  gods  !~  of  a  truth  the  son  of  a  very  dear  man,  who  for  my 
sake  hath  labored  through  many  toils,  has  come  to  my  house. 
And  I  said  that  I  would  receive  him  with  kindness  above 
the  rest  of  the  Grecians,  upon  returning,  if  wide-thundering 
Olympian  Jove  had  granted  tliat  there  should  be  a  return  for 
us  over  the  sea  in  our  swift  ships :  and  I  would  have  found¬ 
ed  a  city  in  Argos  for  him,  and  would  have  built  houses, 

®  The  Scholiast  explains  these  words  in  three  different  ways  :  “  to 
fiow  the  reproaches  thrown  uj)on  him  by  the  suitors,”  or  “to  relate  the 
I'cproaches  cast  on  his  house,”  or  as  it  is  here  translated,  “he  is  too 
modest  to  speak  first.”  Old  Trans).  See  Loewe,  Avho,  with  one  of  the 
Scholiasts,  is  inclined  to  condemn  these  verses  as  spurious. 

See  on  i.  32. 


48 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


[176—214. 


bringing  him  from  Ithac-a  with  his  possessions  and  his  son, 
[and  all  his  people,  having  sacked  one  city  of  those,  which 
are  inhabited  around,  but  are  ruled  over  by  me  myself.] 
And  we  being  here,  would  frequently  have  associated  togeth¬ 
er  ;  nor  would  any  thing  else  have  separated  us  twain,  being 
kind  to  and  delighting  one  another,  before  at  least  the  time 
when  the  black  cloud  of  death  had  enveloped  us.  But  per¬ 
haps  the  deity  himself  would  have  envied  these  things,  who 
made  him  alone  wretched  without  a  return.” 

Thus  he  spoke,  but  he  excited  in  them  all  a  desire  of  grief. 
Argive  Helen  born  of  Jupiter  wept,  Telemachus  wept,  and 
Menelaus  the  son  of  Atreus ;  nor  did  the  son  of  Nestor  keep 
his  eyes  tearless  :  for  he  remembered  in  his  mind  blameless 
Antilochus,  whom  the  glorious  son  of  shining  Aurora  slew ; 
remembering  him  he  spoke  winged  words : 

“  O  son  of  Atreus,  aged  Nestor  said  that  thou  art  prudent 
above  mortals,  when  we  mentioned  thee  [in  his  palace,  and 
were  inquiring  of  one  another].  And  now,  if  it  is  at  all  pos¬ 
sible,  obey  me ;  for  I  am  not  delighted,  weeping  at  supper- 
time  ;  but  Aurora,  the  mother  of  dawn,  will  soon  be  present ; 
I  am  not  at  all  indignant  at  weeping  for  one,  who  among 
mortals  is  dead,  and  has  drawn  on  his  fate.  This  indeed  is 
the  only  honor  to  be  paid  to  wretched  mortals,  to  clip  the 
hair,  and  to  pour  the  tear  down  from  the  cheeks.  For  my 
brother  too  died,  who  was  by  no  means  the  worst  of  the  Gre¬ 
cians,  as  thou  must  be  aware  ;  for  I  have  not  met  with  nor 
seen  him,  as  they  say  that  Antilochus  excelled  others,  that 
he  was  exceeding  fleet  to  run,  and  a  warrior.” 

Auburn-haired  Menelaus  addressed  him  in  answer :  “  O 
friend,  since  thou  hast  spoken  such  things,  as  a  prudent  man 
would  speak  and  do,  even  one  who  was  more  advanced  (for 
thou  art  born  of  such  a  father,  wherefore  thou  speakest  pru¬ 
dent  things);  but  the  son  of  a  man,  to  wdiom  the  son  of  Sat¬ 
urn  has  destined  happiness  when  he  marries,  and  when  he 
begets  children,  is  easily  to  be  distinguished.  As  he  has  now 
given  to  Nestor  all  his  days  continually,  that  he  himself 
should  grow  old  comfortably  in  his  palace,  and  that  his  sons 
should  be  prudent,  and  excellent  in  the  use  of  the  spear.  But 
let  us  indeed  leave  off  our  mourning,  w  hich  was  before :  and 
let  us  again  remember  our  sup])er,  and  let  them  pour  w’ater 
on  our  hands :  but  in  tho  morning  there  shall  be  conversation 


215—250.] 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


49 


between  Telemachus  and  me,  that  we  may  discourse  with  one 
another.” 

'J'hus  lie  spoke ;  but  Asphalion,  the  trusty  servant  of  glo¬ 
rious  Menelaus,  poured  water  over  their  hands.  And  they 
stretched  forth  their  hands  to  the  viands  that  were  lying 
ready.  There  then  Jove-descended  Helen  planned  other 
things.  She  straightway  cast  a  drug  into  the  wine,  from 
whence  they  were  drinking,  that  frees  men  from  grief  and 
from  anger,  and  causes  oblivion  of  all  ills.  AVhoever  should 
drink  down  this,  when  it  is  mixed  in  a  cup,  would  not  shed 
a  tear  down  his  cheeks  for  a  whole  day,  not  even  if  both  his 
mother  and  father  should  die,  nor  if  they  should  slay  Math  the 
steel  a  brother  or  a  beloved  son  before  him,  and  he  should 
behold  it  with  his  eyes.  Such  cunning  and  excellent  drugs 
the  daughter  of  Jove  possessed,  which  Polydamna,  the  wife 
of  Thone,  gave  her,  an  Egyptian ;  where  the  bounteous  land 
produces  very  many  drugs,  many  excellent  when  mingled, 
and  many  fatal ;  and  each  physician®  is  skilled  above  all 
men  ;  for  truly  they  are  of  the  race  of  Pa3on.^  But  when  she 
put  it  in,  and  ordered  them  to  pour  wine  over  it,  straightway 
addressing  them  with  words,  she  spoke: 

“O  Menelaus,  thou  Jove-nurtured  son  of  Atreus,  and  also 
these  sons  of  brave  men — but  the  god  Jupiter  gives  both  good 
and  evil,  sometimes  to  one  and  sometimes  to  another ;  for  he 
is  able  [to  do]  all  things — now  however  feast,  sitting  in  the 
palace,  and  delight  yourselves  with  conversation  ;  for  I  will 
relate  fitting  things.  1  could  not  indeed  relate  or  name  all 
things,  as  many  as  are  the  labors  of  patient  Ulysses:  but 
what  that  was,  which  the  brave  man  did  and  suffered  among 
the  people  of  the  Trojans,  M’here  ye  Greeks  suffered  calami-' 
ties.  Having  inflicted  on  himself  unseemly  blows,  throwing 
vile  garments  about  his  shoulders,  like  a  servant,  he  entered 
the  city  of  the  enemy  Math  its  spacious  streets.  But  conceal¬ 
ing  himself  he  likened  himself  unto  another  man,  a  beggar,  ho 
who  was  by  no  means  such  an  one  at  the  ships  of  the  Grecians  ; 
like  unto  him  he  entered  the  city  of  the  Trojans;  and  they 
all  knew  him  not  but  I  alone  recognized  him,  although  ho 

®  i.  e.  the  Physicians  of  Egyj)t.  Cf.  Ilerodot.  ii.  77,  84. 

’  Homer  distinguishes  hetwacm  Apollo  and  Pieon.  Cf.  II.  v.  401,  and 
Eoewe’s  "vote. 

Cou 'd  not  tell  who  he  was.  Cf.  Alberti  on  Hesych.  v.  djSaKuy. 

C 


50 


ODYSSEY,  iV. 


;;25 1—286. 


was  such  an  one ;  and  I  put  questions  to  him,  hut  he  avoided 
me  by  his  craft.  But  when  indeed  I  washed  him  and  anoint¬ 
ed  him  with  oil,  and  put  garments  on  him,  and  swore  a  firm 
oath,  that  I  would  not  make  Ulysses  manifest  to  the  Trojans, 
before  he  came  to  the  swift  ships  and  the  tents;  then  at 
length  he  declared  to  me  the  whole  intention  of  the  Grecians. 
And  having  slain  many  of  the  Trojans  with  the  long-pointed 
steel,  he  came  to  the  Argives  ;  and  he  brought  back  much  in¬ 
telligence.  There  the  other  Trojan  women  wailed  shrilly; 
but  my  heart  rejoiced ;  for  now  indeed  my  mind  was  inclined 
to  return  home  again ;  but  I  lamented  the  calamity,  wlijcli 
Venus  had  given,  when  she  led  me  thither  from  my  dear  pa¬ 
ternal  land,  and  separated  my  daughter  [from  me],  and  my 
chamber,  and  my  husband,  who  was  not  at  all  deficient,  ei¬ 
ther  as  to  his  understanding  or  his  form.” 

But  auburn-haired  Menelaus  addressed  her  in  turn:  “Of 
a  truth,  wife,  thou  hast  spoken  all  these  things  rightly.  I 
have  now,  indeed,  learned  the  counsel  and  mind  of  many  he¬ 
roes,  and  have  passed  over  much  land ;  but  I  have  not  yet 
seen  such  an  one  with  my  eyes,  so  kind  as  was  the  heart  of 
patient  Ulysses,  and  such  a  thing  as  that  Avhich  the  brave  man 
did  and  suffered  in  the  polished  horse,  wherein  we  all,  chiefs 
of  the  Grecians,  sat  in  ambush,  bringing  slaughter  and  fate 
upon  the  Trojans.  Then  thou  earnest  thither;  but  the  deity, 
who  wished  to  give  glory  to  the  Trojans,  must  have  exhorted 
thee,  although  godlike  Deiphobus  followed  thee  as  thou  went- 
est.  And  thrice  didst  thou  go  round  the  hollow  ambush, ^2 
feeling  it  about,  and  called  the  chiefs  of  the  Grecians  by  name, 
imltatino-  the  voice  of  the  wives  of  all  the  Greeks.  But  J, 
and  the  son  of  Tydeus,  and  divine  Ulysses  sitting  in  the  mid¬ 
dle,  heard  how  thou  calledst  aloud.  Both  of  us  indeed  were 
anxious,  having  rushed  forth  cither  to  go  out,  or  to  answer 
thee  immediately  from  within  ;  but  Ulysses  hindered  us  and 
restrained  us,  although  desirous.  [There  all  the  other  sons 
of  the  Grecians  were  silent ;  but  Anticlus  alone  wished  to  an¬ 
swer  thee  with  words ;  but  Ulysses  without  ceasing  pressed 


The  Scholiast  explains  this  passage  thus :  KariKppowjmi^  uvtwv  pya- 
yw  TOVTioTiv,  t]  avTog  Kartffipovpcrt  rdre  avriov,  tj  Tovg"E\\tivac:  tTrolpatP 
auTidv  Karatppovpaai  di  (ov  tirtiat  Tt'jv  KXiinjv  p  (ppovpoKjjg  dirtipov  taa- 
Tip  TTspdOero  to  dvopa  ravra  Ttoipaag’  ot  di  vtwrtpoi,  <pp6piv  rt'v  Atiau 
uTTiSitavTo.  But  see  Loewe. 
i.  e.  the  Avooden  horse. 


287— 32G.] 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


51 


upon  his  mouth  with  his  strong  hands,  and  saved  all  the  Gre- 
cians :  he  held  him  so  long  until  Fallas  Minerva  led  thee  far 
away.]"’ 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  addressed  in  turn  :  “  O  Men- 
elaus,  Jove-nurtured  son  of  Atreus,  chieftain  of  the  people, 
it  is  more  grievous ;  for  these  things  did  in  nowise  avert  sad 
death  from  him,  not  even  if  his  heart  was  of  steel  within. 
But  come,  send  us  to  bed,  that  we  may  now  be  delighted 
with  sweet  sleep,  being  laid  down  to  rest.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  and  Argive  Helen  ordered  the  maid-serv¬ 
ants  to  place  couches  under  the  portico,  and  to  throw  on  them 
beautiful  purple  rugs,  and  to  strew  tapestry  on  the  top,  and  to 
place  on  them  woolen  cloaks  to  cover  them  above.  But  tliey 
went  from  the  palace,  holding  a  torch  in  their  hands :  and 
they  strewed  the  couches ;  and  the  herald  led  out  the  guests. 
They  indeed,  the  hero  Telemachus  and  tlie  illustrious  son  of 
Nestor,  lay  there  in  the  vestibule  of  the  house ;  but  the  son 
of  Atreus  slept  in  the  recess  of  the  lofty  house,  and  near  him 
lay  long-robed  Helen,  a  divine  one  among  women.  But  when 
the  mother  of  dawn,  rosy-fingered  morning,  appeared,  Mene- 
laus,  gallant  in  the  din  of  battle,  arose  from  his  bed,  having 
put  on  his  garments ;  and  around  his  shoulder  he  girded  a 
sharp  sword,  and  beneath  his  shining  feet  he  bound  beautiful 
sandals  ;  and  hastened  from  the  chamber  like  unto  a  god  to 
behold,  and  he  sat  near  Telemachus,  and  spoke,  and  called  him 
by  name: 

“  What  necessity  brought  thee  hither,  O  hero  Telemachus, 
to  divine  Laceda3mon,  over  the  wide  back  of  the  sea  ?  Public 
or  private  ?  tell  me  this  truly.” 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn  :  “  O  Men- 
elaus,  Jove-nurtured  son  of  Atreus,  chieftain  of  the  people,  I 
am  come  [to  see]  if  perchance  thou  couldst  tell  me  any  report 
concerning  my  father.  My  house  is  being  consumed,  and  rich 
tillages  are  perishing.  And  my  house  is  full  of  hostile  men, 
who  are  constantly  slaying  my  tender  sheep,  and  my  curve- 
footed,  crooked-liorned  oxen,  suitors  of  my  mother,  possessing 
overbearing  insolence.  Wherefore  I  come  to  thy  knees,  if 
thou  art  willing  to  tell  of  his  mournful  death,  if  thou  hast 
any  where  beheld  it  with  thine  eyes,  or  hast  heard  the  tale  of 
any  one  else  wandering:  for  his  mother  brought  him  forth  ex¬ 
ceedingly  calamitous.  Nor  by  any  means  reverencing  me,  bo 


52 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


[320— 3G5. 


gentle,  nor  pitying  me,  but  tell  me  plainly  as  thou  hast  met 
with  the  sight  [of  it] ;  I  beseech  thee,  if  ever  my  fatlier,  good 
Ulysses,  has  accomplished  any  word  or  deed  for  you,  having 
undertaken  it  among  the  })eople  of  the  Trojans,  where  ye 
Greeks  suffered  losses,  be  mindful  of  these  things  now,  and 
tell  me  true.” 

And  auburn-haired  Menelaus  mourning  greatly  addressed 
him:  “  O  gods  !  indeed  they  have  sought  to  lie  in  the  bed  of 
a  stout-hearted  man,  themselves  being  weak.  As  when  a 
hart,  having  laid  her  new-born  suckling  fawns  in  the  den  of 
a  strong  lion,  feeding,  searches  the  thickets^^  and  grassy  val¬ 
leys,  but  he  then  has  entered  his  lair,  and  on  them  both  has 
brought  a  severe  fate ;  so  Ulysses  will  bring  a  sev(*re  fate 
upon  those  men.  I  wish,  O  father  Jupiter,  and  Minerva  and 
Apollo,  being  such  formerly,  in  well-built  Lesbos,  rising  he 
wrestled  in  contention  with  the  son  of  Philomela, and  threw 
him  with  violence,  and  all  the  Greeks  rejoiced.  Should  Ulys¬ 
ses,  being  such  an  one,  engage  with  the  suitors,  [all  would  be 
quick  fated,  and  would  have  a  bitter  marriage.]  But  as  to 
these  things,  which  thou  inquirest  and  beseechest  of  me,  I 
would  not  tell  thee  other  things  besides,  indirectly,  nor  will  I 
deceive  thee:  but  as  to  the  things  which  the  true  old  man^^ 
of  the  sea  told  me,  of  these  I  will  by  no  means  hide  or  con¬ 
ceal  a_word  from  you. 

“The  gods  detained  me  in  Egypt,  desiring  to  return  hither, 
since  I  did  not  offer  up  to  them  pei-fect  hecatombs  :  [but  the 
gods  always  wish  that  we  should  be  mhidful  of  their  commands.] 
There  is  a  certain  island  then  in  a  boisterous  sea,  before 
Egypt, — they  call  it  Pharos,  — so  far  distant  as  a  hollow  ship 
would  make  in  a  whole  day,  when  a  whistling  wind  should  blow 
on  from  behind.  But  in  it  there  is  a  haven  with  good  moor¬ 
ing,  from  whence  they  take  equal  ships  into  the  sea,  having 
drawn  black  water.  There  for  twenty  days  the  gods  detained 
me,  nor  did  favorable  winds  ever  appear  blowing  on  the  sea, 
Avhich  are  the  conveyers  of  ships  over  the  wide  back  of  the 
ocean.  And  now  all  my  provisions  would  have  been  con¬ 
sumed,  and  the  strength  of  my  men  [would  have  failed],  had 
not  one  of  the  goddesses  taken  pity  on  me,  and  preserved  me, 
Idothea,  daughter  of  illustrious  Proteus,  the  old  man  of  the 


Or,  the  foot  of  a  nioimtuiii. 


Eatruclus 


360^-404.] 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


53 


sea  :  for  I  very  much  moved  her  mind,  who  met  me  wander¬ 
ing  alone,  at  a  distance  from  my  companions ;  for  they,  con¬ 
stantly  wandering  about  the  island,  fished  with  crooked  hooks; 
for  hunger  subdued  their  belly.  But  she  standing  near  me 
spoke,  and  said,  ‘  Thou  art  exceedingly  foolish,  O  stranger, 
or  remiss  in  mind,  or  thou  art  willingly  neglectful,  and  art 
delighted  at  suffering  griefs ;  thus  now  thou  art  a  long  time 
detained  in  an  island,  nor  canst  thou  discover  any  means  of 
escape,  and  the  heart  of  thy  companions  wastes  away.’ 

“Thus  she  spoke  ;  and  I  addressed  her  in  answer  :  ‘  I  will 
tell  thee,  indeed,  whoever  thou  art  of  the  goddesses,  that  I 
am  by  no  means  willingly  detained ;  but  I  must  have  sinned 
against  the  immortals,  who  possess  the  wide  heaven  ;  but  do 
thou  tell  me,  for  the  gods  ken  all  things,  who  of  the  immor¬ 
tals  hinders  me,  and  has  bound  me  from  my  journey,  and 
[tell  me  of]  my  return,  how  I  shall  go  over  the  fishy  sea.’ 

“  Thus  I  spoke ;  but  she,  the  divine  one  of  goddesses,  im¬ 
mediately  answered :  ‘  I  will  tell  thee,  indeed,  O  sti’anger, 
very  correctly.  A  certain  true  old  man  of  the  sea  has  his 
haunts  here,  immortal  Proteus  the  Egyptian,  who  is  acquaint¬ 
ed  with  the  depths  of  the  whole  sea,  the  servant  of  Neptune; 
they  say  that  he  is  my  father,  and  that  be  begot  me.  Him  if 
thou  couldst  by  any  means  insnare  and  take,  he  would  tell 
thee  the  way  and  the  measures  of  the  track,  and  thy  return, 
how  thou  mayest  go  over  the  fishy  sea.  And  he  wall  tell 
thee,  besides,  O  noble  one,  if  he  chooses,  what  evil  and  good 
has  happened  in  thy  palace,  while  thou  wast  absent  on  a  long 
and  dilhcult  journey.’ 

“Thus  she  spoke;  but  I  addressed  her  in  answer:  ‘Do 
thou  now  thyself  bethink  thee  of  the  snare  for  the  divine  old 
man,  lest  by  any  means  foreseeing  me,  or  knowing  before¬ 
hand,  he  should  escape  me :  for  a  god  is  difficult  to  be  sub¬ 
dued  by  a  mortal  man.’ 

“Thus  I  spoke;  but  she,  divine  one  of  goddesses,  straiglit- 
way  answered :  ‘  Therefore,  O  stranger,  will  I  tell  thee  veiy 
correctly.  When  the  sun  has  gone  round  up  to  the  middle  of 
the  heaven,  then  the  unerring  old  man  of  the  sea  comes  forth 
from  the  deep,  under  the  breathing  of  the  west  wind,  covered 
with  the  black  foam  ;  and  having  gone  out,  he  lies  down  to 
rest  under  the  hollow  caves.  But  around  him  sea-calves,  the 


54 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


^405— 437. 


oiFspring^®  of  fair  Ilalosydna,  sleep  together,  emerging  from 
the  hoary  sea,  breathing  forth  a  bitter  smell  of  the  dee})  sea. 
There  I  will  lead  thee,  togetlier  with  the  ap}jearance  of  morn, 
and  lay  tliee  in  order;  but  do  thou  choose  well  three  com})an- 
ions,  who  are  the  best  at  your  well-benched  shi}3S ;  but  1  will 
tell  thee  all  the  terrible  tricks^^  of  the  old  man.  First  he  will 
reckon  and  go  over  the  sea-calves ;  and  when  he  has  number¬ 
ed  all  on  his  five  fingers,  and  has  seen  them,  he  will  lie  down 
in  the  middle,  as  a  shepherd  among  a  flock  of  shee}^.  And 
when  thou  shalt  have  first  seen  him  laid  to  sleep,  then  let 
strength  and  force  be  thy  care  to  keep  him  there,  although  de¬ 
sirous  and  striving  to  escape.  But  he  will  make  the  attempt, 
becoming  all  things,  whatsoever  reptiles  are  upon  the  earth,  and 
water,  and  fire  that  blazes  from  the  gods;^®  but  do  thou  keep 
him  firmly,  and  press  him  still  more.  But  when  he  himself 
shall  ask  thee  with  words,  being  such  as  thou  sawest  him 
when  asleep,  then,  O  hero,  desist  from  force,  and  loose  the 
old  man  :  but  ask  him,  who  of  the  gods  hurts  thee,  and  about 
thy  return,  how  thou  maye-t  go  over  the  fishy  sea.’ 

“  Thus  having  spoken,  she  dived  under  the  billowy  sea:  but 
I  went  to  the  ships,  where  they  stood  on  the  sands ;  but  my 
heart  was  dee}fiy  troubled^^  much  as  I  went.  But  when  I 
came  to  the  ship  and  to  the  sea,  we  made  ready  a  supper,  and 
ambrosial  night  came  on  ;  then  we  lay  down  to  rest  on  the  shore 
of  the  sea.  But  when  the  mother  of  dawn,  rosy-fingered  morn¬ 
ing,  appeared,  then  I  went  to  the  shore  of  the  wide-wayed  sea, 
much  supplicating  the  gods  ;  and  I  took  three  companions,  in 
whom  I  most  trusted  for  every  attempt.  But  in  the  mean 
time  she,  having  dived  beneath  the  wide  bosom  of  the  sea, 
brought  from  the  deep  four  skins  of  sea-calves ;  and  all  were 
fresh-skinned,  and  she  planned  a  stratagem  against  her  sire ; 


'NsTTodeQ  =  “  without  feet,” or  “  that  make  their  way  by  swimming.” 
But  Eustathius  says,  tsiTrodeg  yap  QaXtwapg,  ai  ^wKai  o  tan  TtKva. 
J^STTOvg  yap,  Kara  Tiva  yXojaaav,  6  diroyovog.  See  Loewe. 

Probably  oXo^ioia  is  derived  from  oXod  and  (pa'ivio,  because  these 
tricks,  though  not  terrible,  seemed  so.  Loewe. 

Cf.  Buttm.  Lexil.  p.  3")  7.  4. 

lIop(pvptiv,  TO  iSaQtiog  diaXoy'iZtf^Oai,  log  (itto  OaXdaarjg,  i<f  pg  Kat  to 
TTop^vptiv  Kul  TO  !odvt(p'tg  Kal  TO  ptXav  Kal  rd  ToiavTa  XtytTai.  to  d’  aiWo 
Kul  KaXxaivtiv,  dirb  Tijg  KdXx^jgi  b  -Kop^vpav  hiXol.  See  Donaldson  on 
Soph.  Antig.  20. 


438—478.] 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


55 


and  having  hollowed  out  beds  in  the  sands  of  the  sea,  she  sat 
waiting,  but  we  came  very  near  to  her  ;  and  she  laid  us  down 
in  order,  and  threw  a  skin  over  each  of  us.  There,  however, 
the  ambush  was  most  grievous ;  for  a  most  pernicious  smell 
[from  the  skins]  of  sea-nourished  calves  afflicted  us  horri¬ 
bly:  for  who  would  sleep  near  a  whale  of  the  sea?  But  she 
preserved  us  and  bethought  her  of  a  mighty  remedy ;  she 
brought  ambrosia  and  placed  it  under  the  nostrils  of  each, 
which  breathed  very  pleasantly,  and  destroyed  the  smell  of 
the  whale.  And  we  waited  the  whole  morning  with  patient 
mind.  And  the  sea-calves  came  together  from  the  sea ;  they 
then  lay  in  order  near  the  shore  of  the  sea.  And  the  old  man 
at  mid-day  came  from  the  sea,  and  found  the  well-nourished 
sea-calves;  and  he  went  over  all  and  counted  their  number. 
And  he  counted  us  first  among  the  whales,  nor  did  he  at  all 
suspect  in  his  mind  that  it  was  a  trick ;  and  then  he  himself 
also  lay  down.  But  we  immediately  shouting  rushed  upon 
him;  and  threw  our  hands  around  him:  nor  did  the  old  man 
forget  his  wily  art.  And  first  indeed  he  became  a  lion  with 
noble  mane,  and  then  a  dragon,  and  a  leopard,  and  a  great 
boar ;  and  he  became  liquid  water  and  a  lofty-leaved  tree. 
But  we  held  him  firmly  with  patient  mind  ;  and  when  at  length 
the  old  man  mourned,  skilled  in  terrible  tricks,  then  inquii'ing 
of  me  with  words  he  addressed  me :  ‘  Who  of  the  gods,  thou 
son  of  Atreus,  planned  counsels  for  thee,  that  thou  mightest 
take  me  against  my  will,  having  insnared  me  ?  of  what  hast 
thou  need?’  “Thus  he  spoke;  but  I  addressed  liim  in  an¬ 
swer:  ‘Thou  knowest,  old  man — why  dost  thou  ask  me  these 
things,  deceiving  me  ?  Since  I  am  now  detained  a  long  time 
in  the  island,  nor  can  I  find  any  means  of  escape,  and  my 
heart  wastes  away  within  me.  But  do  thou  tell  me,  for  the 
gods  know  all  things,  who  of  the  immortals  hinders  me,  and 
has  bound  me  from  my  journey,  and  [tell  me  about]  my  re¬ 
turn,  how  shall  I  go  over  the  fishy  sea.’ 

“Thus  I  spoke;  but  he  answering  again  addressed  me: 
‘  But  thou  oughtest  by  all  means  to  embark,  having  offered 
favorable  sacrifices  to  Jupiter,  and  the  other  gods,  that  thou 
uiayest  come  as  quick  as  possible  to  thy  country,  sailing  over 
the  dark  sea.  For  it  is  not  the  destiny  for  thee  to  behold 
thy  friends  and  to  come  to  thy  well-built  house  and  thy  pa- 
ternal  land,  before  thou  shalt  return  again  to  the  water  of 


56 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


[478—613 


the  Egyptian  river  filled  by  Jove,^^  and  shall  offer  sacred  hec' 
atombs  to  the  immortal  gods,  who  possess  the  wide  heaven  : 
and  then  the  gods  will  grant  thee  the  journey  for  which  thou 
art  anxious.’ 

“•  Thus  he  spoke  ;  but  my  dear  heart  was  grievously  afflict¬ 
ed,  because  he  commanded  me  to  go  again  to  Egypt  over  the 
shadowy  sea,  a  long  and  difficult  journey.  But  even  so  an- 
swerinof  him  with  words  I  addressed  him :  ‘  These  things  I 
will  indeed  so  perform,  O  old  man,  as  thou  commandest.  But 
come,  tell  me  this  and  relate  it  truly,  if  all  the  Grecians  have 
returned  with  their  ships,  unhurt,  whom  Nestor  and  I  left 
when  we  set  out  from  Troy,  or  has  any  one  perished  with  un¬ 
looked-for  death  in  his  ship,  or  in  the  hands  of  his  friends 
after  he  had  brought  the  war  to  an  endr’^^ 

“  Thus  I  spoke ;  but  he  again  answering  addressed  me : 
‘O  son  of  Atreus,  why  dost  thou  ask  me  these  things?  It  is 
not  at  all  fit  that  thou  shouldst  know  or  learn  my  mind ;  nor 
do  I  think  that  thou  wilt  long  be  without  weeping,  when 
thou  hast  heard  all  things  rightly.  Many  of  these  have  been 
subdued  and  many  have  been  left.  But  two  leaders  only  of 
the  brazen  breast-plated  Grecians  have  perished  in  their  re¬ 
turn  ;  for  thou  also  wast  present  at  the  battle :  and  one  is 
still  detained  somewhere  alive  on  the  wide  sea.  Ajax  indeed 
was  subdued  among  the  long-oared  ships  ;  first  Neptune  made 
him  approach  to  the  great  rocks  Gyra3,  and  saved  him  from 
the  sea ;  and  now  he  would  have  escaped  death,  although 
hated  by  Minerva,  had  he  not  thrown  out  a  haughty  expres¬ 
sion,  and  he  was  greatly  hurt  for  he  said  that  he  would 
escape  the  mighty  wave  of  the  sea  against  the  will  of  the  gods. 
And  Neptune  lieard  him  boasting  great  things.  Immediately 
then  taking  his  trident  in  his  sturdy  hands,  he  struck  the 
Gyrean  rock,  and  cut  it  off.  And  one  [part]  remained  there, 
but  another  fragment  fell  into  the  sea ;  upon  tliis  Ajax  at  first 
sitting  was  greatly  hurt,  for  it  carried  him  into  the  vast  bil¬ 
lowy  sea.  [Thus  he  perished  there,  when  he  drank  salt¬ 
water.]  But  thy  brother  by  some  means  avoided  death,  and 
escaped  in  his  hollow  ships;  for  venerable  Juno  preserved 

i.  e.  “by  rain  sent  from  Jove,”  vtnfl  TrXrjpovfikvov.  Eustath. 

See  on  i.  238. 

Where  the  former  prose  translator  learned  that  piy’  ddaOt]  meant 
“greatly  offended  her,”  I  am  unable  to  discover.  Cf.  vs.  509. 


514—549.] 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


57 


him.  But  when  he  w^as  now'  immediately  about  to  come  to 
the  lofty  mountain  of  the  Maleans,  then  at  lengtli,  the  storm 
snatching  him  away  bore  him  along,  mourning  greatly, 
through  the  tishy  sea,  to  the  extreme  part  of  the  country, 
where  Thyestes  before  dw'elt  in  his  house,  but  then  -ZEgisthus, 
son  of  Thyestes,  dw'elt  there.  But  when  his  return  from 
thence  at  length  appeared  safe,  and  the  gods  turned  the  wind 
back,  and  they  came  home,  he  indeed  rejoicing  stepped  on 
his  paternal  land,  and  touching  his  country  kissed  it ;  and 
many  warm  tears  w^ere  shed  by  him,  as  he  gladly  beheld  his 
land.^^  The  spy  indeed  saw'  him  from  a  place  of  look-out. 
whom  crafty-counseling  ^gisthus  having  led,  had  seated 
there ;  and  he  promised  him  two  talents  of  gold  as  a  reward. 
And  he  watched  for  a  year,  lest  coming  he  [Agamemnon] 
should  escape  him,  and  be  mindful  of  doughty  ^  alor.  And  lie 
hastened  to  tell  it  at  the  house  of  the  shepherd  of  the  peo¬ 
ple;  and  TEgisthus  immediately  planned  a  deceitful  stratagem. 
Having  chosen  out  of  the  people  tw  enty  of  the  most  excellent 
men,  he  set  them  in  ambush,  and  elsewhere  he  ordered  a  ban¬ 
quet  to  be  prepared.  But  he  himself  went  to  invite  Agamem¬ 
non,  the  shepherd  of  the  people,  with  horses  and  chariots,  med¬ 
itating  disgraceful  deeds.  Entertaining  him  at  a  banquet  he 
led  him  unaw'ares  to  death,  and  slew  him,  as  if  any  one  has 
slain  an  ox  at  its  manger.  Nor  was  any  one  left  of  the  com¬ 
panions  of  the  son  of  Atreus,  wdio  had  follow'ed  him,  nor  any  one 
of  those  of  Ai^gisthus  ;  but  they  were  [all]  slain  in  the  palace.’ 

“Thus  he  spoke  ;  but  my  heart  was  broken  :  and  sitting  on 
the  sands  I  W'ept;  nor  did  my  heart  desire  to  live  any  longer 
and  behold  the  light  of  the  sun.  But  when  I  was  satiated 
with  w'eeping,  and  rolling  myself  [on  the  ground],  then  the  un¬ 
erring  old  man  of  the  sea  addressed  me.  ‘  No  longer,  O  son  of 
Atreus,  w’eep  thus  for  a  long  time  without  ceasing,  since  we 
shall  not  find  any  profit  from  it ;  but  try  as  quickly  as  possible, 
by  what  means  thou  mayest  now  reach  thy  paternal  land.  For 
thou  wait  either  find  hirrF^  alive;  or  Orestes  being  beforehand 
has  slain  him  ;  but  thou  wilt  be  present  at  the  burial  feast.’ 

“Thus  he  spoke.  But  my  heart  and  noble  mind  was  agai^ 
delighted  in  my  breast,  although  1  w'as  sorrowful ;  and  ad- 

Perhaps  jEschylus  conceived  the  beautiful  speecli  of  tlie  herald 
(Airam.  510,  sqq.)  from  this  passage. 

TK^islhus. 


58 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


1:550—591. 


di'GSsing  liirn  1  spokG  winged  words.  ^  1  liesc  indeed  I  know  ] 
but  do  thou  name  the  third  man,  who  is  still  detained  alive 
in  the  wide  sea,  [or  dead;  for  1  wish  although  grieving  to 
hear].’ 

‘‘  Thus  I  spoke ;  but  he  answering  again  addressed  me : 
‘The  son  of  Laertes,  who  inhabits  dwellings  in  Ithaca:  hiin 
I  saw  in  an  island,  shedding  the  moist  tear,  in  the  palace  ot 
the  nymph  Calypso,  who  detains  him  by  necessity ;  nor  is  he 
able  to  come  to  his  paternal  land ;  for  he  has  not  ships  fitted 
with  oafs,  and  companions  who  may  conduct  him  over  the 
wide  back  of  the  sea.  But  for  thee,  O  noble  Menelaus,  it  is 
not  decreed  by  the  gods  to  die,  and  meet  with  thy  fate  in 
horse-pasturing  Argos ;  but  the  immortals  will  send  you  to 
the  Elysian  plain,  and  the  boundaries  ot  the  earth  (where  is 
auburn-haired  Khadamanthus,  there  of  a  truth  is  the  most 
easy  life  for  men.  There  is  nor  snow,  nor  long  winter,  nor 
ever  a  shower,  but  ever  does  the  ocean  send  forth  the  gently- 
blowing  breezes  of  the  west  wind,  to  retresh  men^ ;  because 
•^mu  possess  Helen,  and  are  the  son-in-law  of  Jove.’ 

“  Thus  having  spoken,  he  plunged  beneath  the  billowy  sea. 
But  I  went  to  my  ships  together  with  my  godlike  companions  ; 
and  my  heart  was  troubled  much  as  I  went.  But  when  we 
came  to  our  ship  and  to  the  sea,  and  prepared  supper,  and 
ambrosial  night  came  on,  then  we  slept  on  the  shore  of  the 
sea.  But  when  the  mother  of  dawn,  rosy-fingered  morning, 
appeared,  first  of  all  we  drew  our  ships  into  the  divine  sea, 
and  placed  the  masts  and  sails  in  the  equal  ships ;  and  they 
embarking  sat  on  the  benches,  and  sitting  in  order  smote  the 
hoary  wave  with  their  oars.  And  I  brought  the  ships  back 
to  the  waters  of  Egypt,  to  the  river  filled  by  Jove,  and  I  offer¬ 
ed  up  perfect  hecatombs.  But  when  I  had  appeased  the  anger 
of  the  gods  who  exist  forever,  I  built  a  tomb  for  Agamemnon, 
that  his  renown^^  might  be  inextinguishable.  Having  perform¬ 
ed  these  things,  I  returned ;  for  the  immortals,  who  sent  me 
quickly  to  my  dear  country,  gave  me  a  prosperous  gale.  But 
come  now,  remain  in  my  palace  until  the  eleventh  or  twelfth 
day ;  and  then  1  will  send  thee  [away]  well,  and  will  give 
thee  splendid  presents,  three  horses  and  a  well-polished  char¬ 
iot  ;  but  furthermore  I  will  give  thee  a  beautiful  cup,  that 

“  “That  my  fame”  !  !  is  the  version  ;)f  the  old  translator,  according 
to  his  usual  taste  and  judgment. 


592— G25  ] 


ODYSSEY.  XV. 


59 


thou  mayest  make  libations  to  the  immortal  gods,  mindful  of 
me  all  tliy  days.” 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn  :  O  son  of 
Atreus,  do  not  now  detain  me  here  a  long  time.  For  indeed 
I  could  endure  to  sit  with  thee  for  a  year,  nor  would  a  regret 
for  home  and  for  my  parents  possess  me ;  for  I  am  very  much 
delighted  at  hearing  thy  words  and  discourse.  But  now  my 
companions  in  divine  Pylos  are  wearied ;  and  thou  art  detain¬ 
ing  me  here  for  a  long  time.  But  let  the  present,  whatever 
thou  wouldst  have  given  me,  be  some  furniture :  for  I  will 
not  take  horses  to  Ithaca,  but  will  leave  them  hei-e  as  an  or¬ 
nament  for  thee ;  for  thou  rulest  over  the  wide  plain,  in 
which  there  is  abundance  of  lotus,  and  cypress,  and  wheat, 
and  rye,  and  wide-springing  white  barley.  But  in  Ithaca 
there  are  neither  wide  courses,  nor  is  there  any  meadow :  it  is 
tit  for  feeding  goats,  although^®  it  is  more  pleasant  [to  me] 
than  [a  land]  that  pastures  horses.  For  there  is  not  any  of 
the  islands,  which  arQ  shut  up  by  the  sea,  tit  for  driving- 
horses,  or  that  has  good  meadows  ;  and  above  all  Ithaca.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  Menelaus  strenuous  in  the  din  of  bat¬ 
tle  smiled,  and  stroked  him  down  by  the  hand,  and  spoke  and 
tiddressed  him  :  “  Thou  art  of  a  good  race,  my  son,  such  words 
dost  thou  say.  Wherefore  I  will  change  these  things  for  you  ; 
for  I  am  able.  But  of  presents,  whatever  effects  lie  in  my 
house,  I  will  give  thee  that  which  is  most  beautiful  and  most 
valuable.  I  will  give  thee  a  wrought  cup ;  and  it  is  all  sil¬ 
ver,  but  the  lips  are  worked  with  gold.  It  is  the  work  of 
Vulcan  ;  but  the  hero  Phaedimus,  king  of  the  Sidonians,  gave 
it,  when  his  house  covered  me  being  about  to  return  from 
thence ;  but  I  wish  to  give  this  to  thee.” 

Thus  they  indeed  spoke  such  things  to  one  another;  but 
the  banyjueters  had  gone  to  the  dwelling  of  the  divine  king ; 
and  they  led  forth  sheep,  and  brought  heartening  wine ;  and 
their  wives  with  beautiful  fillets  brought  bread  for  them. 
Thus  they  were  arranging  about  supper  in  the  palace. 

But  the  suitors  before  the  palace  of  Ulysses  were  delighted 

The  explanation  of  this  passage  is  due  to  Loewe,  who  alone  has 
seen  that  kui  is  equivalent  to  quatiivis,  the  sense  being,  “  Ithaca  sana  non 
est  locus  equis  ])ascendis  bene  inserviens,  quamvis  sit  longc  gratior  niilii 
qaam  terra  equos  pascens,  sc.  tanquam  terra  qua5  me  genuit,  quai  im 
aluit.” 


CO 


ODYSSEY.  IV, 


[626— 6G5. 


"Nvitli  quoits  and  hurling  small  javelins  on  a  worked  pavemeiu, 
where  before  they  practiced  their  insolence.  But  Antinous 
and  godlike  Eurymachus,  chiefs  of  the  suitors,  had  sat  down, 
for  they  were  by  far  the  best  in  virtue.  To  them  Noemon, 
son  of  Phronius,  coming  near,  inquiring  of  Antinous  with 
words  addressed  them:  “Do  we  then  know  any  thing  in  our 
minds,  or  not,  O  Antinous,  when  Telemachus  returns  from 
sandy  Pylos lie  has  gone  having  taken  my  ship ;  but  I 
have  need  of  it,  to  pass  over  to  wide-wayed  Elis,  where  I 
have  twelve  mares,  and  under  them  untamed  mules  patient 
in  toil :  some  one  of  which  I  would  by  driving  subdue.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  they  were  astonished  in  their  mind  ; 
for  they  did  not  suppose  that  he  was  gone  to  Nelean  Pylos, 
but  was  present  somewhere  there  in  the  country,  or  among 
the  sheep,  or  with  the  swine-herd. 

Antinous,  the  son  of  Eupithes,  immediately  addressed  him  : 
me  unerringly,  "where  did  he  go,  and  what  youths  chosen 
from  Ithaca  followed  him?  Are  they  his  own  hired  men  and 
servants?  And  could  he  accomplish  this?  And  tell  me  this 
truly,  that  I  may  know  well,  whether  did  he  take  away  thy 
black  ship  by  force  against  thy  will,  or  didst  thou  give  it  him 
willingly,  when  he  kindly  addressed  thee  with  words?” 

V)Ut  him  Noemon,  the  son  of  Phronius,  addressed  in  turn  : 
•‘  I  gave  it  him  willingly.  What  would  another  do,  when  such 
a  man,  having  cares  in  his  mind,  should  beg  him?  It  would 
be  difficult  indeed  to  deny  a  gift.  But  those  youths  follow 
him,  who  excel  among  us  in  the  peojde :  and  I  perceived 
]\lentor,  or  some  god  (but  he  was  in  all  respects  like  him), 
embarking  as  captain.  But  I  marvel  at  this.  I  saw  di\ine 
IMentor  here  yesterday  iii  the  morning;  but  at  that  time  he 
embarked  in  the  ship  to  Pylos.”  Thus  having  spoken,  he  went 
to  the  house  of  his  hither.  But  the  noble  mind  of  botlh^  of 
these  was  astonished  :  and  the  suitors  sat  together,  and  ceased 
their  games.  But  Antinous,  son  of  Eupithes,  grieving,  spoke 
among  them ;  for  his  darkened  thoughts  were  very  much 
filled  with  rage,  and  his  eyes  were  like  unto  shining  fire. 

“  O  gods  !  a  great  work  indeed  has  been  most  daringly 
performed,  this  voyage  of  Telemachus ;  we  said  that  it  would 
not  be  accomplished  by  him.  Against  the  will  of  so  many  of 
us,  a  young  boy  has  gone  away  at  random,  having  drawn  out 

*’  Antinous  and  Euiymachus. 


0(50— 70G.] 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


G1 


a  ship,  and  having  chosen  out  the  best  among  the  people. 
He  will  begin  to  be  even  a  further  evil ;  but  may  Jupiter  de¬ 
stroy  his  might,  before  he  begets  harm  for  us.  Hut  come, 
give  me  a  swift  ship  and  twenty  companions,  that  I  may  lie 
in  ambush  for  him,  and  watch  him  as  he  is  returning,  in  the 
strait  of  Ithaca  and  rugged  Samos ;  so  that  to  his  sorrow  he 
may  sail  for  the  sake  of  his  fatlier.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  and  they  all  praised  and  urged  him  [to  go]: 
immediately  then  rising  they  went  into  the  house  of  Ulysses ; 
nor  was  Penelope  long  without  hearing  their  words,  which 
the  suitors  meditated  deeply  in  their  minds.  For  the  herald 
Medon  told  it  her,  who  heard  their  counsels,  being  outside 
the  hall ;  but  they  had  planned  their  counsel  secretly.  He 
was  hastening  through  the  house  to  tell  it  to  Penelope ;  but 
as  he  was  crossing  the  threshold  Penelope  addressed  him. 

“  O  herald,  why  have  the  illustrious  suitors  sent  thee  for¬ 
ward  ?  Is  it  that  thou  mayest  tell  the  handmaidens  of  divine 
Ulysses  to  cease  from  their  employments,  and  prepare  a  feast 
for  them  ?  Would  that,  not  wooing  me,  nor  keeping  compa¬ 
ny  any  where  else,  they  would  now  sup  here  for  the  last  and 
most  extreme  time.  Y'e  who,  assembled  together,  consume 
much  livelihood,  the  possession  of  prudent  Telemaclms,  have 
ye  not  before  heard  from  your  fathers,  when  ye  were  chil¬ 
dren,  what  a  man  was  Ulysses  among  your  parents,  neither 
treating  any  one  unjustly,  nor  speaking  aught  among  the 
people,  which  is  the  custom  of  divine  kings ;  in  that  one 
may  hate  some  mortals,  and  may  love  others.  But  he  never 
at  all  treated  a  man  unjustly :  but  your  mind  and  disgraceful 
deeds  are  apparent,  nor  is  there  any  gratitude  afterward  for 
benefits.” 

Medon,  acquainted  with  prudent  things,  addressed  hei-  in 
turn :  “  I  would  indeed,  O  queen,  this  may  be  the  worst  evil, 
but  the  suitors  are  planning  another  much  greater,  and  more 
g’ievous,  which  may  not  the  son  of  Saturn  accomplish  :  they 
desire  to  kill  Telemachus  with  the  sharp  brass,  as  he  is  re¬ 
turning  home  ;  but  he  has  gone  for  news  of  his  father  to  sa¬ 
cred  Pylos,  and  to  divine  Lacedaemon.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  and  her  knees  and  heart  were  loosed ; 
and  speechlessness  seized  her  for  a  long  time:  and  her  eyes 
were  filled  with  tears,  and  her  full  voice  was  checked.  But 
ut  length  answering  him  with  words  she  addressed  him:  “0 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


[707—747. 


U2 

lierald,  wherefore  is  my  son  gone  ?  it  was  not  at  all  necessary 
that  he  should  embark  on  swift  ships,  which  for  men  are 
horses  of  the  sea,  and  pass  over  the  vast  wave?  Is  it  that 
his  name  may  not  be  left  among  men  ?” 

Then  Medon,  acquainted  with  prudent  things,  answered 
her :  “  I  know  not  whether  some  god  excited  him,  or  his  own 
mind  was  urged  to  go  to  Tylos,  that  he  may  inquire  of  either 
the  return  of  his  father,  or  what  fate  he  has  drawn  on  himself.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  departed  to  the  house  of  Ulysses. 
But  soul-wasting  grief  was  shed  around  her,  nor  did  she  any 
more  endure  to  sit  on  her  seat,  although  many  were  in  the 
house ;  but  she  sat  on  the  threshold  of  her  much-labored 
chamber,  mourning  piteous:  and  around  her  all  her  hand¬ 
maidens  wailed,  as  many  as  were  in  the  house,  young  and 
old:  Penelope,  mourning  violently,^®  addressed  them: 

“  Hear  me,  friends,  for  Olympus-^  has  given  me  grief  above 
the  measure  of  all  those,  as  many  as  were  brought  up  and 
born  with  me ;  I  who  before  indeed  have  lost  my  excellent 
husband;  lion-hearted,  adorned  among  the  Grecians  with  all 
kinds  of  virtues,  excellent;  whose  glory  is  wide  throughout 
Greece  and  the  middle  of  Argos.  But  now  the  tempests  have 
snatched  away  my  dear  son  from  the  palace,  inglorious  ;  nor 
did  I  hear  of  his  setting  out.  Wretched  ones,  you  did  not 
each  of  you  place  it  in  your  mind  to  raise  me  from  my  bed, 
knowing  clearly  in  your  soul  when  he  embarked  on  the  hollow 
black  ship.  For  if  1  had  known  that  he  was  setting  out  on 
this  voyage,  then  he  should  have  either  remained,  although 
anxious  for  his  voyage,  or  should  have  left  me  dead  in  the 
palace.  But  let  some  trusty  servant  call  old  Dolius,  my 
servant,  whom  my  father  gave  me  on  coming  hither,  and  he 
keeps  my  garden  that  abounds  in  trees ;  that  as  quickly  as 
possible,  sitting  by  Laertes,  he  may  tell  him  all  these  things, 
if  by  chance  contriving  some  counsel  in  his  mind,  going  out 
he  may  make  lamentations  among  the  peojde  on  account  of 
those,  who  desire  to  destroy  his  own  offspring,  and  that  of 
divine  Ulysses.” 

Her  dear  nurse  Euryclea  in  answer  addressed  her:  “Dear 
mistress,  do  thou  slay  me  with  the  cruel  steel,  or  leave  me  in 
the  palace ;  but  1  will  not  by  any  means  conceal  the  tale.  I 


Cf.  Buttm.  Lexil.  p.  32,  sqq. 


i.  e.  heaven,  put  for  the  gods. 


rt8— 781.] 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


G3 


knew  all  these  things,  and  I  gave  him  whatever  he  command¬ 
ed,  bread  and  sweet  wine;  but  he  received  a  great  oath  from 
me,  that  I  would  not  tell  thee,  before  the  twelfth  day  came, 
or  thou  thyself  didst  desire  me,  and  hadst  heard  of  his  having 
set  out;  so  that  thou  miglitest  not  hurt  thy  beauteous  person 
by  weeping.  But  having  washed  thyself,  and  putting  clean 
garments  on  thy  body,  ascending  to  the  upper  room,  with  thy 
women  attendants,  pray  to  Minerva  the  daughter  of  JEgis 
bearing  Jove:  for  she  will  then  save  him,  even  from  deatln 
But  do  not  grieve  the  afflicted  old  man  ;  for  I  do  not  think 
that  the  race  of  the  son  of  Arcesius^®  is  altogether  hated  by 
the  blessed  gods :  but  some  one  will  survive,  who  shall  pos¬ 
sess  the  lofty-roofed  houses,  and  the  rich  fields  afar.” 

Thus  she  spoke  ;  and  laid  her  grief  to  sleep,  and  restrained 
her  eyes  from  grief.  But  she,  having  washed  herself,  and 
j)utting  clean  garments  on  her  body,  ascended  to  the  upper 
room  with  her  women  attendants :  and  she  put  cakes  in  a 
basket,  and  prayed  to  Minerva.  “  Hear  me,  thou  daughter 
of  Ailgis-bearing  Jove,  unsubdued,  if  ever  much-counseling 
Ulysses  has  burned  in  his  palace  the  fat  thighs  of  an  ox  or 
a  sheep,  of  these,  I  pray  thee,  be  mindful  now,  and  save  my 
dear  son,  and  ward  off  the  suitors  wdio  are  wickedly  over¬ 
bearing.” 

Thus  having  spoken  she  lamented  ;  but  the  goddess  heard 
her  prayer.  And  the  suitors  were  making  a  tumult  in  the 
shaded  palace ;  and  thus  some  one  of  the  overbearing  youths 
spoke  :  “  In  truth  the  much-wooed  queen  is  preparing  nuptials 
for  us ;  nor  kens  she  at  all  that  slaughter  is  devised  for  her 
son.”  Thus  some  one  said;  but  they  knew  not  these  things, 
how  they  were  destined.  But  Antinous  harangued  and  ad¬ 
dressed  them : 

“  Sirs,  avoid  all  vaunting  words  entirely,  lest  by  chance 
some  one  may  tell  them  even  within.  But  come,  standing  up 
thus  in  silence,  let  us  accomj)Ush  our  design,  which  even  now 
has  pleased  us  all  in  our  breasts.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  chose  twenty  of  the  best  men  ;  and 
they  hastened  to  the  sw’ift  ship  and  the  shore  of  the  sea.  First 
of  all  they  drew  the  ship  into  tlie  deep  of  the  sea:  and  placed 
a  mast  and  sails  in  the  black  ship :  and  fitted  the  oars  to  the 


Laertes  was  the  son  of  Arcesius,  son  of  Jupiter. 


64 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


[782—818. 


leather  thongs,  [all  things  rightly :  and  above  they  spread  out 
the  white  sails.]  And  the  high-minded  servants  brought  arms 
for  them,  and  they  moored  it-^^  on  high  in  the  moist  sea;  and 
they  themselves  embarked,  and  there  they  took  supper,  and 
waited  till  evening  came  on. 

But  prudent  Penelope,  having  ascended  to  the  upper  room, 
lay  without  taking  food,  without  taking  any  thing  to  eat  or 
drink,  meditating  whether  her  blameless  son  would  escape 
death,  or  whether  he  would  be  subdued  by  the  overbearing 
suitors.  But  as  many  things  as  a  lion  is  wont  to  meditate  in 
a’ crowd  of  men,  fearing,  when  they  bring  the  deceitful  circle 
around  him  ;  upon  her  meditating  so  many  things  sweet  sleep 
fell:  and  she  slept  reclining;  and  all  her  limbs  were  relaxed. 
Then  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  thought  of  other  things ; 
she  made  an  image,  and  it  vvas  like  in  its  body  to  the  lady 
Iphthima,  the  daughter  of  magnanimous  Icarius ;  whom  Eu- 
melus,  who  inhabits  a  house  in  Pherm,  had  married.  And 
she  sent  her  to  the  house  of  divine  Ulysses;  if  she  could  by 
any  means  make  Penelope,  mourning  and  grieving,  cease  from 
her  wailing  and  tearful  grief.  But  she  entered  the  chamber 
near  the  thong  of  the  bolt,  and  she  stood  over  her  head  and 
addressed  her  in  words. 

“  Art  thou  sleeping,  Penelope,  sorrowing  in  thy  dear  heart? 
the  gods  who  live  easily  by  no  means  suffered  thee  to  weep, 
nor  to  be  sad,  since  thy  son  is  still  about  to  return  ;  for  he  is 
not  at  all  a  sinner  against  the  gods.” 

But  her  prudent  Penelope  answered,  sleeping  very  sweetly 
at  the  gates  of  dreams  “  Why,  my  sister,  hast  thou  come 
hither  ^  for  before  thou  hast  not  visited  me,  since  thou  dost 
inhabit  a  house  very  far  off:  and  thou  exhortest  me  to  cease 
from  my  toil,  and  the  many  pains  which  irritate  me  in  my 
mind  and  breast :  I  who  before  lost  my  excellent  husband, 
lion-hearted,  adorned  among  the  Gre(*.ians  with  all  kinds  of 
virtues,  excellent ;  whose  glory  is  wide  throughout  Greece 
and  the  middle  of  Argos.  Now  my  beloved  son  is  gone  in 
a  hollow  ship,  childish,  nor  well  experienced  in  labors,  or 

'OpfxiCnv  vipov  tv  vot'kp  sc.  vypip  cst  solventium  e  portu  vel  e  litore, 
cum  navis  deducta  stat  in  acpia  alta :  at  opi-u'Ciiv  vipov  iv  ^//p(p  cst  ap- 
])cllcntiuin,  cum  navis  finite)  cursu  subducitur.  Ernesti. 

i.  c.  in  a  very  deep  sleej),  atg  riov  ovtco  vTrvujTTuvruiv  kuI  uvtipoig  wg 
tiKog  ivTvyxavuvTijjv.  Eustath.  Sec  Loc\ie. 


819—847.] 


ODYSSEY.  IV. 


G5 


commerce.  I  am  now  even  more  grieved  for  his  sake,  than 
for  that  one.  For  him  I  tremble  and  fear,  lest  he  sliould 
suffer  something,  either  from  those  among  the  people  where 
he  is  gone,  or  on  the  sea :  for  many  enemies  are  devising 
snares  against  him,  desiring  to  kill  him  before  he  comes  to 
his  paternal  land.” 

The  obscure  image  answering  addressed  her :  “  Be  of  good 
cheer,  nor  be  too  fearful  in  thy  mind :  for  such  a  guide  has 
accompanied  him,  whom  others  also  have  desired  to  be  with 
tliem  (for  she  is  able),  Pallas  Minerva :  and  she  pities  thee 
lamenting;  who  now  sent  me  forward,  to  tell  these  things  to 
tliee.” 

But  her  prudent  Penelope  addressed  in  turn :  “  If  indeed 
thou  art  a  goddess,  and  hast  heard  the  voice  of  a  goddess, 
come  tell  me  of  him  in  a  sea  calamitous,^^  whether  he  is  still 
somewhere  alive,  and  beholds  the  light  of  the  sun,  or  is  al¬ 
ready  dead,  and  in  the  dwellings  of  Pluto.” 

The  obscure  image  answering  addressed  her :  ‘‘  I  will  not 
tell  thee  of  him  altogether,  whether  he  is  alive  or  dead,  but 
it  is  base  to  speak  vain  things.”  Having  thus  spoken,  she 
vanished  by  the  bolt^^  of  the  entrance  into  the  gales  of  the 
winds.  But  the  daughter  of  Icarus  started  from  her  sleep, 
and  her  dear  heart  was  rejoiced,  so  mai.ifest  had  the  dream 
come  upon  her  in  depth  of  night. 

But  the  suitors,  having  embarked,  sailed  over  the  watery 
ways  [of  the  sea],  meditating  in  their  minds  a  severe  death 
for  Telemachus.  Now  there  is  a  certain  rocky  island  in  the 
middle  of  the  sea,  between  Ithaca  and  rugged  Samos,  Asteris, 
not  large ;  and  in  it  there  are  havens  fit  for  ships,  with  two  en¬ 
trances  ;  there  the  Grecians  waited  in  ambush  for  Imn. 

i.  e.  Ulysses. 

My  friend,  Mr.  G.  Burges,  well  compares  the  lines  in  Gay’s  Fables ; 

“Just  as  she  spoke,  a  faery  sprite 
Popp’d  through  the  key-hole  swift  as  light.” 

I  have  followed  Buttmann,  Lexil.  p.  89,  sqq.  His  admirable  re¬ 
marks  are  too  copious  for  the  limits  of  a  note,  but  will  amply  repay  the 
trouble  of  perusal. 


GG 


ODYSSEY  V. 


[1—27. 


BOOK  V. 

ARGUMENT. 

Jupitei  dispatches  Mercury  to  the  island  of  Calypso,  commanding  her  to 
send  Ulysses  away ;  which  she  consents  to  with  reluctance  :  and  gives 
him  materials  to  form  a  raft.  On  the  eighteenth  day  after  he  had  set 
out  Neptune  sees  him,  and  raises  a  great  storm,  which  destroys  his 
raft.  Having  undergone  great  danger,  by  the  assistance  of  a  sea- 
nymph,  who  gives  him  a  scarf  to  su])port  himself  with,  he  arrives  safe 
on  shore  at  Fhaeacia. 

Aurora  rose  from  her  bed  beside  illustrious  Tithonus,^  that 
she  might  bear  light  to  immortals  and  men  :  but  the  gods  sat 
in  conclave,  and  among  them  Jupiter,  who  thunders  from  on 
high,  and  whose  power  is  greatest.  To  them  IMinerva  re¬ 
lated  the  many  toils  of  Ulysses,  remembering  [him] ;  for  he 
was  her  care,  when  in  the  house  of  the  Nymph. 

“  O  father  Jove,  and  ye  other  blessed  gods  who  exist  for¬ 
ever,  let  no  sceptre-bearing  king  be  any  more  provident,  mild, 
and  gentle,  nor  thinking  rightful  things  in  his  mind,  but  let 
him  ever  be  severe  and  do  unlawlul  things ;  since  no  one  of 
the  people,  over  whom  he  reigned,  is  mindful  of  divine  Ulys¬ 
ses,  and  he  was  mild  as  a  father:  but  he  lies  in  an  island  suf¬ 
fering  great  grief,  in  the  palace  of  the  Nymph  Calypso,  who 
detains  him  by  necessity  ;  and  he  is  unable  to  come  to  his  pa¬ 
ternal  land.  F or  there  are  not  ships  for  him  fitted  with  oars, 
and  companions  who  may  conduct  him  over  the  wide  back  of 
the  sea.  Now  again  they  desire  to  slay  his  beloved  son,  about 
to  return  home;  but  he  has  gone  to  divine  Pylos  and  miglity 
Lacedaemon^  for  new’S  for  his  father.” 

Hut  her,  cloud-collecting  Jove  addressed  in  answer:  “  INIy 
child  what  word  has  escaped  thy  lips?  For  hast  thou  not 
indeed  thyself  devised  this  ])lan,  that  Ulysses  may  indeed 
return  and  be  revenged  on  them?  Hut  do  thou  skillfully 
conduct  Telemachus,  for  thou  art  able,  that  he  may  reach  his 
paternal  land  unhurt ;  but  let  the  suitors  return  back^  in 
their  ship.” 

'  The  son  of  Laomedon,  brother  of  Priam,  and  husband  of  Aurora. 

^  Loewe  regards  ^lav  here  as  equivalent  to  tvptlav,  like  AaKtdaijxova 
cvpvxopov. 

^  Notwithstmiding  the  suppositions  of  ancient  grammarians,  that  Tra- 
\*p7reTtg  is  the  contracted  nominative  plural,  it  is  clearly  shown  by  Butt- 
inann  to  be  the  adverbial  neuter.  See  Lexil.  p.  290,  sqq. 


28—60.] 


ODYSSEY.  V. 


G7 


He  spoke  and  addressed  his  beloved  son  Mercury :  “  Mer¬ 
cury,  for  thou  art  a  messenger  also  in  other  things,  telD  our 
unerring  decree  to  the  fair-liaired  Nymph,  the  return  of  tlie 
patient  Ulysses,  that  he  may  go  back,  neither  under  the  guid¬ 
ance  of  the  gods,  nor  of  mortal  men,  but  let  him  come  on  the 
twentieth  day  to  fertile  Scheria®  on  a  raft  lashed  together  witli 
many  chains,  having  suffered  calamities,  to  the  land  of  the 
Phieacians,  who  are  nearly  related®  to  the  gods  ;  who  will 
honor  him  in  their  heart,  like  as  a  god,  and  will  send  him  in 
a  ship  to  his  dear  paternal  land,  giving  him  abundance  of 
brass  and  gold,  and  raiment,  so  many  things  as  Ulysses  would 
never  have  taken  from  Troy,  even  if  he  had  returned  un¬ 
harmed,  having  been  allotted  his  share  of  booty.  For  so  it  is 
fated  for  him  to  behold  his  friends,  and  return  to  his  lofty- 
roofed  house,  and  his  own  paternal  land.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  nor  did  the  messenger,  the  slayer  of  Ar¬ 
gus,  disobey  him.  Immediately  then  he  bound  his  beautiful 
sandals  beneath  his  feet,  ambrosial,  golden  ;  which  carried 
him  both  over  the  moist  wave,”^  and  over  the  boundless  earth, 
with  the  breath  of  the  wind.  And  he  took  the  rod  with 
which  he  soothes  the  eyes  of  men,  whom  he  wishes,  and 
again  rouses  those  who  are  asleep.  Holding  this  in  his 
hands,  the  strong  slayer  of  Argus  flew,  and  going  over  Pieria, 
he  descended  from  the  air  into  the  sea.  Then  he  rushed  over 
the  wave  like  a  bird,  a  sea-gull,  which  hunting  for  fish  in 
the  terrible  bays  of  the  barren  sea,  dips  frequently  its  wings 
in  the  brine  ;  like  unto  this  Mercury  rode  over  many  waves. 
But  when  he  came  to  the  distant  island,  then  going  from  the 
blue  sea,  he  went  to  the  continent;  until  he  came  to  the  great 
cave  in  which  the  fair-haired  Nymph  dwelt ;  and  he  found 
her  within.  A  large  fire  was  burning  on  the  hearth,  and  at 
a  distance  the  smell  of  well-cleft  cedar,  and  of  frankincense,® 

^  But  see  Loewe  on  i.  292. 

*  Corcyra,  anciently  called  r)  ApeTrdvr],  now  Corfu. 

®  Their  kings  were  said  to  be  the  third  in  descent  from  Neptune. 
Schol.  But  Eustathius  rather  regards  this  epithet  as  said  in  praise  of 
their  virtues  and  hospitality. 

’’  With  this  description  of  Mercury  compare  the  notes  of  Newton  on 
Milton,  Par.  Lost,  v.  285. 

“  Some  render  0vov  “  citron,”  on  the  authority  of  Macrob.  Sat.  ii.  15. 
See  Anthon  and  others  on  Virg.  Georg,  ii.  126.  It  seems  more  probable 
that  Ovov  is  frankincense.  Cf.  Dionys.  Perieg.  935,  with  the  notes  of 


C8 


ODYSSEY.  V. 


(61—97. 


that  were  burning,  shed  odor  through  the  island :  but  she 
within  was  singing  with  a  beautiful  voice,  and  going  over^  the 
web,  wove  with  a  golden  shuttle.  But  a  flourishing  wood 
sprung  up  around  her  grot,  alder  and  poplar,  and  sweet¬ 
smelling  cypress.  There  alsoTirds  with  spreading  wings  slept, 
owls  and  hawks,  and  wide-tongued  crows  of  the  ocean,  to 
which  maritime  employments  are  a  care.  Tiiere  a  vine  in  its 
prime  was  spread  about  the  hollow  grot,  and  it  flourislied  with 
clusters.  But  four  fountains  flowed  in  succession  with  white 
water,  turned  near  one  another  each  in  different  ways;  but 
around  there  flourished  soft  meadows  of  violets,  and  of  pars¬ 
ley.  There  indeed  even  an  immortal  coming  would  admire  it 
when  he  beheld,  and  would  be  delighted  in  his  mind;  there 
the  messenger,  the  slayer  of  Argus,  standing,  admired.  But 
when  he  had  admired  all  things  in  his  mind,  he  immediately 
came  to  the  wide  cave  ;  nor  was  Calypso,  divine  one  of  god¬ 
desses,  when  she  saw  him  before  her,  ignoi'ant  who  he  was. 
(For  the  immortal  gods  are  not  unknown  to  one  another, 
even  if  any  one  inhabits  dwellings  at  a  distance.)  But  he  did 
not  find  magnanimous  Ulysses  within.  For  he  was  w'eeping, 
seated  on  the  shore,  where  before  wasting  his  mind  with  tears, 
and  groans,  and  griefs,  he  used  to  look  o'er  the  barren  sea, 
pouring  forth  tears.  But  Calypso,  divine  one  of  goddesses, 
sitting  on  her  shining,  brilliant  throne,  inquired  of  jMercury : 

“  Why  hast  thou  come  unto  me,  O  Mercury,  with  a  golden 
rod,  thou  who  art  revered  and  beloved?  hitherto  thou  dost 
not  visit  me  often.  Tell  me  of  Avhat  thou  art  thinking ;  for 
my  mind  exhorts  me  to  perform  it,  if  at  least  I  can  accom¬ 
plish  it,  and  if  it  is  to  be  performed.  But  follow  onward, 
that  I  may  place  before  thee  the  rites  of  hospitality.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  the  goddess  set  near  him  a  table,  hav¬ 
ing  filled  it  with  ambrosia;  and  mixed  ruby^^’  nectar.  But 
the  messenger  Mercury  drank  and  ate.  But  when  he  had 
supped  and  refreshed  his  mind  with  food,  then  answering  her 
witli  words  he  addressed  her : 

“  Dost  thou,  who  art  a  goddess,  ask  me  a  god  who  am 

Hill.  Eustathius  and  Ilesychius  (cf.  Alberti,  T.  ii.  p.  1746)  merely  say 
that  it  is  tldog  dsvdpov  ev^dovg  or  ovopa  d'ivdpov. 

®  i.  e.  movinfx  backward  and  forward.  The  ancients  wove  standing. 

I  am  indebted  to  Milton,  Tar.  Lost,  v.  633. 

“  And  rubied  nectar  flows 
In  pearl,  in  diamond,  and  massy  gold.” 


98—141.] 


ODYSSEY.  V. 


G9 


come'?  but  I  will  relate  to  you  my  word  unerringly;  for  thou 
biddest  me.  Jupiter  commanded  me  to  come  here  against  my 
will.  For  who  would  willingly  run  through  so  much  salt-water, 
immense  as  it  is  ?  nor  is  there  any  city  near  of  mortals,  who 
offer  up  to  the  gods  sacrifices  and  chosen  hecatombs.  But  in¬ 
deed  it  is  not  possible  that  any  other  god  should  either  trans¬ 
gress  the  will  of  ^Egis-bearing  Jupiter,  or  make  it  vain.  He 
says  that  there  is  a  man  with  thee,  the  most  in  calamity  of  all 
the  men  who  fought  for  nine  years  about  the  city  of  Ih-iam, 
and  in  the  tenth,  having  destroyed  the  city,  went  home ;  but 
on  their  return  they  sinned  against  Minerva,  Avho  stirred  up 
an  evil  wind  and  mighty  W'aves  against  them.  Then  all  the 
others,  his  excellent  companions,  perished,  but  him  the  Avind 
and  the  wave  carrying  drove  hither ;  he  now  commands  thee 
to  send  him  away  as  quickly  as  possible.  For  it  is  not  the 
destiny  for  him  to  perish  here  at  a  distance  from  his  friends, 
but  it  is  still  his  destiny  to  behold  his  friends,  and  to  reach 
his  lofty-roofed  house,  and  his  own  paternal  land.” 

Thus  he  spoke.  But  Calypso,  divine  one  of  goddesses, 
shuddered,  and  addressing  him  spoke  \^'inged  words  :  “  Severe 
are  ye  gods,  envious  above  others,  who  grudge  that  goddesses 
should  sleep  openly  with  men,  if  any  one  has  made  for  her¬ 
self  a  dear  husband.  As  when  rosy-fingered  Aurora  took 
Orion,  so  long  you  gods  Avho  live  easily  envied  her,  until  in 
Ortygia  chaste  Diana  of  the  golden  throne  slew  him,  attack¬ 
ing  him  with  her  mild  weapons ;  and  as  when  fair-haired  Ce¬ 
res,  yielding  to  her  passion,  Avas  united  in  love  and  in  the 
couch  Avith  Jasion,  in  thrice-ploAved  fallow  land  ;  nor  Avas  Ju¬ 
piter  a  long  time  Avithout  knoAving  it,  aaJio  sleAV  him,  striking 
liim  with  his  Avhite  thunder.  So  noAV  you  gods  grudge  that  a 
mortal  man ‘should  be  present  Avith  me,  whom  I  indeed  saved 
Avhen  going  alone  on  the  keel  of  a  ship;  when  Jupiter  strik¬ 
ing  his  SAvift  ship  Avith  Avhite  thunder,  cleft  it  in  tlie  middle 
of  the  dark  sea.  [Then  all  the  others,  his  excellent  compan¬ 
ions,  perished,  but  him  the  Avind  and  the  Avavc  carrying,  drove 
hither:]  him  indeed  1  loved  and  nourished,  and  I  said  that  I 
Avould  make  him  immortal  and  free  from  old  age  all  his  days. 
But  since  it  is  not  possible  that  any  other  god  should  either 
transgress  the  Avill  of  JEgis-bearing  Jove  or  make  it  vain,  let 
him  go  OA'or  the  barren  sea,  if  he  excites  and  commands  him; 
but  1  will  not  send  him  any  Avhere :  for  1  have  not  ships 


70 


ODYSSEY.  V. 


[141—178. 


equipped  with  oars,  and  companions,  who  may  conduct  him 
over  the  wide  back  of  the  sea.  Dut  I  will  prudently  suggest 
it  to  him,  nor  will  I  conceal  it,  that  he  may  by  all  means 
reach  his  paternal  land  unharmed.” 

And  her  the  messenger  JMercury  addressed  in  turn  :  “  So 
now  send  him  away,  and  look  to  the  wrath  of  Jupiter,  lest 
perhaps  hereafter  angry  he  should  be  harsh  to  thee.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  the  stout  slayer  of  Argus  departed. 
But  the  venerable  Nymph  Avent  to  strong-hearted  Ulysses, 
when  she  had  heard  the  messages  of  Jupiter.  But  she  found 
liim  sitting  on  the  shore ;  nor  were  his  eyes  ever  dried  from 
tears,  but  his  pleasant  life  was  wasted  away,  as  he  bewailed 
his  return,  since  it  did  not  please  the  Nymph.^^  But  during 
the  nights  indeed  he  slept  even  by  necessity  in  the  hollow 
caves,  against  his  will,  near  her  who  was  willing ;  but  during 
the  day  sitting  on  the  rocks  and  shores,  [wasting  his  mind 
with  tears,  and  mournings,  and  griefs,]  he  looked  over  the 
barren  sea,  pouring  forth  tears ;  but  the  divine  one  of  god¬ 
desses  standing  near  addressed  him  : 

“  Ill-fated  one,  do  not  lament  here  any  longer,  nor  let  thy 
life  waste  away  ;  for  now  I  will  readily  send  thee  aAvay.  But 
come,  having  cut  long  planks,  join  together  a  wide  raft  with 
brass,  but  fix  ribs^^  upon  it  on  high,  that  it  may  carry  thee 
over  the  shadowy  sea.  But  I  will  put  in  it  bread  and  water, 
and  red  wine  giving  strength,  which  may  ward  off  hunger 
from  thee.  And  I  will  put  garments  about  thee ;  and  X  will 
send  a  prosperous  gale  from  behind,  that  thou  mayest  come 
unscathed  to  thy  paternal  land,  if  at  least  the  gods  -who  pos¬ 
sess  the  wide  heaven  are  willing,  wdio  are  better  than  me,  both 
to  plan  and  to  determine.” 

Thus  she  spoke  ;  but  then  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses 
shuddered,  and  addressing  her  spoke  winged  words:  “Thou, 
indeed,  O  goddess,  art  planning  something  else,  nor  by  any 
means  my  voyage,  thou  who  biddest  me  pass  over  the  great 
gulf  of  the  sea,  terrible  and  difficult,  on  a  raft;  but  not  even 
swift  equal  ships  can  pass  over  this,  rejoicing  in  the  pros¬ 
perous  gale  of  Jove.  Nor  would  I  embark  on  a  raft  against 
thy  will,  unless  thou,  who  art  a  goddess,  wouldst  endure  to 


That  he  should  return. 

The  upright  beams  of  the  ship,  supporting  the  upper  decks. 


178—216.] 


ODYSSEY.  V. 


71 


swear  to  me  a  great  oath,  that  thou  wilt  not  plan  any  other 
evil  calamity  against  me.’’ 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  but  Calypso,  the  divine  one  of  goddesses, 
smiled,  and  laid  hold  of  him  by  the  hand  and  spoke  and  said  : 
“Thou  art  mistaken, and  yet  art  thou  acquainted  with 
cunning  things !  what  a  word  is  this  thou  hast  thought  to 
speak  !  Now  let  earth  and  wide  heaven  above  know  this, 
and  the  water  which  is  poured  from  Styx  (which  is  the  great¬ 
est  and  most  terrible  oath  to  the  immortal  gods),  that  I  will 
not  devise  any  other  evil  calamity  against  thee.  But  I  de¬ 
vise  and  consider  the  things,  which  for  myself  I  should  take 
care  of,  should  such  a  necessity  come  upon  me.  F or  my  in¬ 
tention  is  proper,  nor  is  my  mind  in  my  breast  of  steel,  but 
of  pity.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  the  divine  one  of  goddesses  quickly 
led  the  way ;  and  he  went  immediately  after  the  footsteps  of 
the  goddess,  and  the  goddess  and  the  man  came  to  the  hollow 
cave ;  and  he  sat  there  on  the  throne  from  whence  Mercury 
rose :  and  the  Nymph  set  near  him  all  kinds  of  food,  to  eat 
and  drink,  such  as  mortal  men  eat :  and  she  herself  sat  oppo¬ 
site  divine  Ulysses,  and  near  her  the  handmjiids  placed  am¬ 
brosia  and  nectar,  and  they  stretched  forth  their  hands  to  the 
food  lying  ready  before  them.  But  when  they  were  satiated 
with  eating  and  drinking.  Calypso,  divine  one  of  goddesses, 
began  speaking  to  them  : 

“  O  noble  son  of  Laertes,  crafty  Ulysses,  so  now  dost  thou 
■wish  to  go  immediately  to  thy  dear  paternal  land?  but  liow- 
eveF^  be  happy.  If  indeed  thou  knewest  in  thy  mind,  how 
many  cares  it  is  fated  for  thee  to  fill  up,  before  thou  comest 
to  thy  paternal  land,  certainly  thou  wouldst  remain  here  and 
guard  my  house,  and  thou  wouldst  be  immortal ;  although 
thou  art  anxious  to  see  thy  wife,  of  whom  thou  art  ever  de¬ 
sirous  all  thy  days.  I  do  not  indeed  consider  myself  to  be 
inferior  to  her,  either  in  person  or  nature,  since  it  is  by  no 
means  fit  that  mortal  women  sliould  contend  with  immortals 
in  person  and  form.” 

But  her  the  crafty  Ulysses  in  answer  addressed :  “  O  sa> 
cred  goddess,  do  not  be  angry  with  me  on  this  account ;  f()> 
I  myself  know  very  well,  that  the  prudent  Penelope  is  inferior 

Ironically. 

“  ro  tfiTrtjQ  iv  TOVT(p  Toictf}  ojxujg  cr/j/mtVei.  Schol. 


72 


ODYSSEY.  V. 


[217—252. 


to  thee  in  form,  and  in  stature,  to  look  at ;  for  she  is  mortal, 
but  thou  art  immortal  and  free  from  old  age :  but  even  so  I 
wish  and  desire  all  my  days,  both  to  go  home  and  behold  the 
day  of  my  return.  But  if  any  one  of  the  gods  breaks  me  down 
on  the  dark  sea,  I  will  endure  it,  having  a  patient  mind  in  my 
breast;  for  I  have  already  suffered  very  many  things,  and 
have  endured  many  toils  in  the  waves  and  in  war;  and  let 
this  happen  after  these.”^^ 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  the  sun  set,  and  darkness  came  on  ; 
they  then  going  to  the  recess  of  the  hollow  cave,  were  de¬ 
lighted  with  love,  remaining  near  to  each  other. 

But  when  the  mother  of  dawn,  rosy-fingered  morning,  ap¬ 
peared,  Ulysses  immediately  put  on  a  cloak  and  a  garment, 
and  the  Nymph  herself  put  on  a  large  white  vail,  thin  and 
graceful,  but  around  her  loins  she  placed  a  beauteous  golden 
girdle;  and  she  placed  a  head-dress  on  her  head:  and  then 
she  prepared  the  voyage^<^  for  the  strong-hearted  Ulysses. 
She  gave  him  a  large  axe,  fitted  to  his  hands,  of  steel  sharpened 
on  both  sides  :  and  with  it  a  very  beautiful  handle,  of  olive 
wood,  well  fitted  to  it:  then  she  gave  him  a  well-polished 
adze ;  and  she  led  the  way  to  the  extreme  part  of  the  island, 
wdiere  tall  trees  sprung  up,  alder,  and  poplar,  and  there  was 
pine  reaching  to  heaven,  long  since  seasoned,  very  dry,  w  hich 
would  sail  lightly  for  him.  But  when  she  had  shown  where 
the  tall  trees  had  sprung  up,  Calypso,  divine  one  of  goddesses, 
returned  to  the  house  ;  but  he  began  to  cuU^  the  w'ood,  and 
his  w^ork  w^as  quickly  performed.  And  he  felled  twenty  in 
all,  and  cut  them  with  the  steel,  and  polished  them  skillfull}^ 
and  directed  them  by  a  rule.  In  the  mean  time  Calypso,  di¬ 
vine  one  of  goddesses,  brought  augers,  and  he  then  perforated 
all,  and  fitted  them  to  one  another :  and  he  fixed  it  with  pegs 
and  cramps.  As  large  a  bottom  of  a  wide  ship  of  burden,  as 
any  man,  who  w^as  well  skilled  in  W'ork  man  ship,  w^ould  mark 
out,  so  large  did  Ulysses  make  the  wide  raft.  And  erecting 
the  ribs,  fixing  them  wdth  many  beams, he  made  it,  and 

**  i.  e.  qnum  ilia  mala  jam  toleraverira,  facile  etiam  hoc  tolerabo  ma¬ 
lum.  Loewe. 

Literally,  “the  sending,  escort.” 

The  tense  imi)lies,  “he  was  engaged  in  cutting.” 

Which  were  ])laced  cross-wise  from  one  end  of  the  ship  to  the  other, 
for  the  purpose  of  holding  the  ribs  together.  Old  Transl. 


2r)3— 288.] 


ODYSSEY.  V. 


73 


finished  it  with  long  decks. And  he  made  a  mast  in  it,  and 
a  sail-yard  fitted  to  it ;  and  he  made  a  rudder  besides  tliat  he 
might  guide  it.  And  he  dammed  it  all  round  with  willow 
wicker-work,  to  be  a  defense  against  the  wave  ;  and  he  heaped 
much  ballast^^  upon  it.  But  in  the  mean  time  Calypso,  di¬ 
vine  one  of  goddesses,  brought  linen  for  making  sails ;  and  he 
contrived  these  also  well:  and  he  bound  in  it  upper  ropes, 
cables,  and  sheets. And  then  he  dj-ew  it  into  the  divine 
sea  with  levers.  It  was  the  fourth  day,  and*all  things  were 
finished  for  him ;  on  the  fifth  then  divine  Calypso  sent  him 
from  the  island,  having  clad  him  in  perfumed  garments,  and 
having  washed  him.  And  the  goddess  placed  in  it  for  him 
one  skin  of  black  wine,  and  another  large  one  of  water;  and 
provisions  in  a  wallet,  and  in  it  many  strength-recruiting 
dainties  :  and  she  sent  a  harmless  and  favorable  wind  forward. 
And  divine  Ulysses  gladly  spread  his  sails  to  the  prosperous 
gale  ;  but  sitting  down  he  guided  it  skillfully  with  the  rudder  ; 
nor  did  sleep  fall  upon  his  eyebrows,  as  he  contemplated  both 
the  Pleiads,  and  setting  Bootes,  and  the  Bear,  which  they  also 
call  by  name  the  Wain,  which  turns  itself  in  the  same  place, 
and  observes  Orion ;  but  it  alone  does  not  share  in  the  wash¬ 
ing  of  the  ocean.  For  Calypso,  divine  one  of  goddesses,  had 
commanded  him  to  pass  over  the  sea,  keeping  to  the  left  hand. 
Seventeen  days  indeed  he  sailed,  passing  over  the  sea,  but 
in  the  eighteenth  the  shadowy  mountains  of  the  land  of  the 
Phreacians  appeared,  where  it  was  nearest  for  him  ;  but  it  ap¬ 
peared  as  a  shield  in  the  dark  sea. 

The  powerful  Shaker  of  the  earth, as  he  was  returning 
from  the  Ethiopians,  beheld  him  from  a  distance  from  the 
mountains  of  the  Solymi ;  for  he  was  seen  by  him  sailing  over 
the  sea  ;  but  he  was  very  wrathful  in  his  heart ;  and  moving 
his  liead  he  spoke  [thus]  to  his  own  mind : 

“  O  gods,  certainly  indeed  the  deities  have  now  consulted 
differently  about  Ulysses,  when  I  was  among  the  Ethiopi¬ 
ans  ;  and  now  he  is  near  the  land  of  the  Pliaeacians,  where 

”  More  literally,  “plankings,  floorings,”  aavi^tq  Ik  Trpwpag  tig  npy/M 
"vav  TtrapLivai  Kai  iirtvpvtyp'tvai.  Eustath. 

the  rougli  fragments  of  wood,  used  as  ballast. 
vTTtpag,  i.  e.  the  ro])es  which  bind  the  yard-arms  to  the  mast. 

‘TTodtg,  ropes  hanging  from  each  corner  of  the  sail 
i.  e.  Neptune. 

D 


74 


ODYSSEY.  V. 


[289—324. 


tliere  is  destiny  for  him  to  escape  the  great  limit  of  misery, 
Avliich  befalls  him :  but  still  1  think  that  he  will  undergo 
enough  of  calamity.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  collected  the  clouds,  and  disturbed 
the  sea,  taking  his  trident  in  his  hands ;  and  stirred  up  all  the 
storms  of  all  kinds  of  winds  ;  and  he  with  clouds  covered  the 
earth  and  the  sea  at  the  same  time  ;  and  night  arose  from 
heaven.  And. the  Sofctheast  and  the  South  rushed  together, 
and  the  hard-blowing  West,  and  the  cold-producing  North, 
rolling  the  miglity  wave.  And  then  the  knees  and  the  dear 
heart  of  Ulysses  were  loosed,  and  sorrowing  he  said  to  his 
strong-hearted  mind : 

“  Alas  me,  wretched  one  that  I  am  !  what  wdll  become  of 
me  at  length  ?  I  fear,  lest  indeed  the  goddess  has  told  all 
things  unerringly,  who  said  that  I  should  accomplish  toils  by 
sea,  before  1  reached  my  paternal  land  ;  all  these  things  are 
certainly  now  brought  to  pass.  With  what  clouds  does  Jupi¬ 
ter  crown  the  wide  heaven  !  and  [how]  he  has  troubled  tlie 
sea  !  and  the  tempests  of  all  manner  of  winds  hasten  on  ;  now 
bitter  destruction  is  certain  for  me.  Thrice  and  four  times 
blessed  are  the  Grecians,  who  formerly  perished  in  spacious 
Troy,  gratifying  the  sons  of  Atreus  !  How  I  would  that  I  had 
died  and  drawn  fate  upon  myself  in  that  day,  when  many 
Trojans  hurled  their  brazen  spears  about  the  son  of  Peleus, 
who  was  dead.  Then  I  should  have  obtained  by  lot  funeral 
rites,  and  the  Grecians  would  have  celebrated  my  renown.  But 
now  it  is  destined  for  me  to  be  seized  by  a  miserable  death.” 

As  he  was  speaking  thus,  a  mighty  wave  from  the  top"^^ 
thrust  him  on,  rushing  terribly  upon  him,  and  whirled  round 
the  raft.  And  he  himself  fell  at  a  distance  from  the  raft,  and 
let  go  the  rudder  from  his  hands ;  and  a  terrible  storm  of  tho 
winds  mixed  together  coming  upon  it  broke  the  middle  of 
his  mast.  And  the  sail  and  the  yard-arm  fell  at  a  distance 
in  the  sea,  and  kept  him  a  long  time  under  the  wave :  nor 
was  he  able  to  hold  himself  up  immediately,  from  the  rush 
of  the  great  vv'ave  ;  for  the  garments  which  divine  Calypso 
had  given  him  w'ere  heavy ;  late,  however,  he  came  up,  and 
vomited  the  bitter  brine  from  his  mouth,  which  tr  ckled  in 
abundance  from  his  head.  But  not  even  thus  was  he  for- 

“A  vertice  pontus,”  Yirg.  ^n.  i.  118.  Loewe  makes  it  equiva¬ 
lent  to  desuper,  or  rather,  to  funditus. 


324—359.] 


ODYSSEY.  V. 


getful  of  the  raft,  although  afflicted,  but  rushing  through  the 
waves,  he  seized  hold  of  it ;  and  sat  in  the  middle  avoiding 
the  verge  of  death.  But  a  great  wave  carried  it  here  and 
there  through  the  stream.  And  as  when  the  autumnal  North 
wind  carries  thorns  over  the  plain,  but  they  are  held  close  to 
one  another;  so  the  winds  carried  it  here  and  there  through 
the  sea.  Sometimes  the  South  wind  threw  it  forward  to  the 
North  to  carry,  sometimes  again  the  East  wind  gave  it  up  to 
the  West  to  pursue.  But  him  fair-footed  Ino  Leucothoe,  who 
was  previously  a  mortal  that  had  speech, but  now  in  the 
main  of  the  sea  had  a  share  in  the  honor  of  the  gods,  the 
daughter  of  Cadmus,  saw  ;  she  indeed  pitied  wandering  Ulys¬ 
ses,  undergoing  toils,  and  like  unto  a  cormorant  in  flight,  she 
came  up  from  the  deep  ;  and  she  sat  on  the  raft  bound  with 
many  chains,  and  addressed  him  : 

‘‘  O  ill-fated  one,  why  is  the  earth-shaking  Neptune  so  vio¬ 
lently  wrath  with  thee,  that  he  produces  many  evils  for  thee? 
He  will  not  however  destroy  thee,  although  very  anxious  to 
do  so.  But  do  thus  (for  thou  seemest  to  me  not  to  be  unwise), 
having  put  off  these  garments,  leave  thy  raft  to  the  winds  to 
carry;  but  swimming  with  thine  hands  seek  for  your  return 
to  the  land  of  the  Phaeacians,  where  there  is  destiny  for  thee 
to  escape.  And  take^^  this  head-gear,  which  is  immortal, 
and  spread  it  under  thy  breast ;  then  there  is  no  fear  that 
thou  wilt  suffer  any  thing,  or  perish.  But  when  thou  hast 
reached  the  shore  with  thine  hands,  taking  it  off  again  throw 
it  into  the  dark  sea,  far  from  the  continent,  and  do  thou  turn 
thyself  away  at  a  distance.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  the  goddess  gave  him  the  scarf,  and 
she,  like  unto  a  diver,  again  went  under  the  billowing  sea: 
and  the  black  wave  covered  her.  But  much-enduring,  divine 
Ulysses,  hesitated,  and  mourning  spoke  to  his  strong-hearted 
mind : 

“  Woe  is  me  !  does  not  some  one  of  the  immortals  contrive 
again  a  deceit  against  me,  since  she  orders  me  to  go  from  the 
raft.  But  however  I  will  by  no  means  obey  her;  since  at  a 
distance  with  my  eyes  1  beheld  the  land,  where  she  said  I 

*  i.  e.  cajiable  of  speaking  after  the  inanner  of  mankiiul.  SeeT.,oeu  e. 
r//  is  considered  hy  Buttn)ann,  Lexil.  p.  505,  as  an  old  iin})erative 
formed  from  a  root  TA — ,  Anglice,  Tahe^  like  ^Tiv.  Jt  is  ecpiivalent  to 
Xd/3f.  C'f.  Thiersch,  Gk.  Gr.  p  521,  143.  Sandford’s  d'ranslation. 


76 


ODYSSEY.  V. 


[359—397. 


must  escape.  But  thus  will  I  do,  and  it  seems  to  me  to  be 
the  best ;  as  long  as  the  planks  are  firm  in  the  cramps,  so  long 
will  I  remain  here,  and  will  endure  to  suffer  toils.  But  when 
indeed  the  wave  has  shaken  my  raft  to  pieces,  I  will  swim  ; 
since  it  is  not  in  my  power  to  devise  any  thing  better.” 

Wliile  he  meditated  these  things  in  his  breast  and  in  his 
mind,  earth-shaking  Neptune  raised  a  mighty  wave  against 
him,  terrible,  severe  and  lofty,'-^"^  and  drove  him.  But  as  a 
violently  blowing  wind  shakes  a  heap  of  dry  chaff,  which  it 
scatters  in  different  places  ;  so  it  scattered  its^^®  long  planks. 
But  Ulysses  mounted  on  one  plank,  driving  it  on  as  a  single 
horse,  and  he  put  off  the  garments,  which  divine  Calypso  had 
given  him.  And  he  immediately  spread  the  scarf  under  his 
breast ;  and  he  fell  prone  into  the  sea,  stretching  out  his  hands, 
seeking  to  swim ;  but  king  Neptune  saw  him,  and  shaking 
his  head,  spoke  to  his  own  mind : 

“Thus  now  wander  over  the  sea,  suffering  many  evils,  until 
thou  art  mixed  with  Jove-nurtured  men,  but  not  even  so  do 
I  think  that  thou  wilt  make  little  of  thy  toil.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  scourged  his  beautiful-haired  horses, 
and  came  to  ^gce,  where  are  his  illustrious  palaces.  But 
Minerva,  the  daughter  of  Jove,  meditated  other  things  ;  for 
she  bound  the  courses  of  the  other  winds,  and  commanded  all 
of  them  to  cease,  and  be  laid  to  sleep  :  but  she  roused  the 
nimble  North,  and  broke  the  waves  before,  until  that  noble 
Ulysses  should  be  mixed  with  the  oar-loving  Phasacians, 
having  avoided  death  and  the  Fate.  Here  he  wandered  two 
nights  and  two  days  on  the  compact^®  (not  broken)  wave  ;  and 
his  heart  often  saw  death  before  his  eyes.  But  when  at  length 
fair-haired  Aurora  completed  the  third  day,  then  indeed  the 
Avind  ceased,  and  there  was  a  breathless  calm  ;  and  he  saw  the 
land  near,  looking  very  shar[)ly  forward,  being  lifted  aloft  by 
a  great  wave.  As  Avhen  the  life  of  a  father  appears  welcome 
to  his  children,  who  lies  in  a  disease  suffering  severe  pain, 
wasting  away  a  long  time,  and  a  hateful  deity  lias  grazed  near 
upon  him  ;  and  the  gods  have  freed  liim  welcome  from  his  evil 

Literally,  “lofty-roofed,”  i.  e.  covering:  as  Avitli  a  roof  every  thing 
ujion  which  it  fell,  to  KaXvTrrov  ^iKrjv  6f}6(})ov.  Eustathius. 

Tf}g,  i.  e.  navis. 

rij/yov,  well-nourished,  fat,  stout  (cf.  II.  ix.  124,  'iTnroi  Trrjyoi),  and 
hence,  great,  large. 


397— +3G.] 


ODYSSEY.  V. 


77 


plight ;  so  welcome  did  the  earth  and  wood  appear  to  Ulys¬ 
ses  ;  and  he  swam,  hastening  to  step  on  the  main  land  with 
his  feet;  but  when  he  was  so  far  distant  as  one  is  heard 
shouting  out,  then  he  heard  the  noise  of  the  sea  against  the 
rocks ;  for  the  mighty  surge  bursting  terribly  roared  against 
the  dry  [coast]  of  the  continent ;  and  all  things  were  roiled 
over  with  the  foam  of  the  sea ;  for  there  were  not  havens  to 
contain  ships,  nor  places  of  shelter,^®  but  the  shores  were 
prominent,  and  there  were  crags  and  rocks.  Then  the  knees 
and  dear  heart  of  Ulysses  fainted,  and  mourning  he  spake 
unto  his  strong-hearted  mind: 

“  Alas  for  me  !  since  Jupiter  has  granted  me  to  behold  the 
unexpected  land,  and  I  indeed  have  passed  over  this  wave, 
having  cut  through  it,  there  has  appeared  nowhere  any  egress 
out  of  the  hoary  sea;  for  without  there  are  sharp  rocks,  and 
a  dashing  surge  rages  around,  and  a  smooth  cliff  runs  up,  and 
near  it  the  sea  is  deep  ;  and  it  is  not  possible  to  stand  on  both 
my  feet,  and  to  escape  an  evil  plight,  lest  by  chance  a  mighty 
billow  snatching  me,  as  I  am  going  out,  dash  me  against  a 
stony  cliff,  and  my  attempt  be  vain.  But  if  I  shall  swim 
still  farther,  in  case  T  may  somewhere  find  sloping  shores, 
and  ports  of  the  sea,  I  am  afraid,  lest  the  storm  snatching 
me  again  should  bear  me  to  the  fishy  sea,  mourning  sadly,  or 
even  the  deity  should  send  a  mighty  whale  against  me  from 
the  sea,  such  as  illustrious  Amphitrite  nourishes  in  great 
numbers:  for  I  know  how  illustrious  Neptune  is  enraged 
against  me.” 

While  he  meditated  these  things  in  his  breast  and  in  his 
mind,  in  the  mean  time  a  mighty  billow  bore  him  to  the 
rough  shore.  There  his  skin  would  have  been  lacerated,  and 
his  bones  fractured,  had  not  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva 
prompted  his  mind  ;  and  rushing  on,  he  seized  hold  of  a  rock 
Math  both  his  hands,  which  he  held  groaning,  until  the  great 
billow  had  passed  by.  And  this  he  thus  avoided  ;  but  the 
returning  wave  rushing  upon  him,  struck  him  again,  and  cast 
him  far  out  into  the  sea.  As  when  many  stones  hold  to  the 
claws  of  a  polypus  drawn  out  of  its  bed,  so  was  the  skin  torn 
from  his  strong  hand  against  the  rocks :  and  a  mighty  billow 
covered  him. 

There  at  length  unhappy  Ulysses  would  have  perished  con- 

Soil,  against  the  wind. 


78 


ODYSSEY.  V. 


[437—470. 


trary  to  bis  fate,  bad  not  blue-eyed  IVIinerva  given  birn  pru¬ 
dence  ;  coming  up  from  out  of  tbe  wave,  where  it  vomits  out 
against  tbe  shore,  he  swam  beyond,  looking  to  tbe  land,  if  he 
could  any  where  find  sloping  shores,  and  ports  of  tbe  sea. 
But  when  he  came  swimming  to  tbe  mouth  of  a  beautiful 
flowing  river,  where  it  seemed  to  liim  to  be  the  best  phice, 
smooth  from  rocks,  and  there  was  a  shelter  from  the  wind ; 
he  knew  that  it  was  flowing  forward,  and  he  prayed  in  his 
mind : 

“Hear  me,  O  King,  whoever  thou  art;  for  unto  thee  who 
art  much  wished  for  I  come,  flying  from  the  threats  of  Nep¬ 
tune,  from  the  sea.  He  indeed  is  revered  even  by  the  im¬ 
mortal  gods,  whoever  of  men  comes  wandering,  as  I  now  do, 
to  thy  stream,  and  come  to  thy  knees,  having  suffered  many 
things.  But  take  pity,  O  King:  I  profess  to  be  thy  suppliant.” 

Thus  he  spoke;  but  he^^  immediately  stopped  his  stream, 
and  restrained  the  wave ;  and  made  a  calm  before  him  ;  and 
preserved  him  to  the  mouth  of  the  river ;  but  he  bent  both 
his  knees,  and  his  sturdy  hands;  for  Ids  heart  was  overcome 
by  the  sea.  But  he  was  swollen  over  all  his  body,  and  the 
sea  came  forth  in  quantities  through  his  mouth  and  his  nos¬ 
trils  :  and  he  lay  breathless  and  speechless,  with  his  strength 
wasted,  and  terrible  fatigue  came  upon  him.  But  when  he 
recovered  Ids  breath,  and  his  mind  was  collected  in  his  breast, 
then  he  loosed  from  him  the  scarf  of  the  goddess  ;  and  he  cast 
it  into  the  river  flowing  into  the  sea,  and  a  gi*eat  wave  car¬ 
ried  it  back  through  the  stream  ;  and  Ino  immediately  re¬ 
ceived  it  in  her  dear  hands ;  but  he  going  away  from  the  riv¬ 
er  reclined  among  the  bulrush,  and  kissed  the  bounteous 
earth  ;  and  mourning  spake  unto  his  strong-hearted  ndnd  : 

“Alas  for  me,  what  shall  I  suffer?  AVhat  will  at  length 
become  of  me  ?  If  I  shall  watch  tlirough  the  severe  night 
in  a  river,  [I  fear,]  lest  the  evil  rime,  and  the  prolific 
dew  together,  overcome  my  worn-out  mind,  on  account  of 
my  weakness ;  for  the  breeze  blows  chill  from  a  river  in 
the  morning, ]3ut  [f  x  should  go  up  to  the  hill  and  shady 

i.  e.  the  river  god. 

**  So  Dante,  Purgat.  xxiv. 

“E  quale  annunciatrice  de  gli  albori 
L’  aura  di  Maggio  muovesi,  et  olezza 
Tutta  im])regnata  da  1’  lierba,  e  da’  fiori.” 


471—493.  VI.  1,  2.]  ^DYSSEY,  VI. 


79 


wood,  and  should  sleep  among  the  thick  shrubs,  even  though 
the  cold  and  weariness  should  leave  me,  and  sweet  sleep  come 
upon  me,  I  fear  tliat  I  should  be  a  booty  and  prey  for  wild 
beasts.” 

So  then  it  seemed  to  him  to  be  better  as  he  considered : 
then  he  hastened  to  the  wood  ;  and  found  it  near  the  water 
in  a  conspicuous  place,  and  he  came  under  two  shrubs,  which 
sprang  from  the  same  place;  one  of  wild  olive,  the  other  of 
olive.  Neither  the  strength  of  the  moistly  blowing  winds 
breathes  through  them,  nor  has  the  shining  sun  ever  struck 
them  with  its  beams,  nor  has  the  shower  penetrated  entirely 
through  them  :  so  thick  were  they  grown  entangled  with  one 
another ;  under  which  Ulysses  came.  But  he  immediately 
heaped  up  a  wide  bed  with  his  hands;  for  there  were  great 
numbers  of  leaves  spread  about,  as  many  as  would  shelter 
either  two  or  three  men  in  the  winter  season  ;  although  it 
were  very  severe.  The  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  on  see¬ 
ing  it  rejoiced,  and  he  lay  down  in  the  middle  of  it,  and  heaped 
a  heap  of  leaves  over  himself ;  and  as  when  any  one  has  hid¬ 
den  a  torch  in  black  ashes,  at  the  extremity  of  a  farm,  which 
has  not  any  other  neighbors,  preserving  the  seed  of  the  fire,  that 
he  may  not  have  to  light  it  from  any  where  else ;  so  Ulysses 
covered  himself  with  leaves ;  and  over  his  eyes  Minerva  shed 
sleep,  that  she  might  as  soon  as  possible  cause  him  to  cease 
his  laborious  toil,  having  covered  around  his  dear  eyelids. 


BOOK  VI. 

ARGUMENT. 

Minerva  appears  to  Nausicaa,  the  daughter  of  Alcinous,  in  a  dream,  and 
desires  lier  to  go  to  the  river  to  wash  her  clothes,  since  she  sliould 
shortly  be  married.  After  she  has  done  washing,  her  attendants  ami 
herself  begin  to  play ;  Ulysses,  sleeping  in  a  wood  liard  by,  is  awakened 
by  the  noise,  and,  coming  out,  begs  of  Nausicaa  to  suj)ply  him  with 
food  and  clothing:  he  then  follows  her  to  the  city. 

Thus  the  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  slept  here,  op¬ 
pressed^  with  sleep  and  with  toil ;  but  JMinerva  went  to  the 

'  Loewe  follows  Thiersch,  Gk.  Gr.  p.  489,  24,  in  deriving  dpTjfihoc 
from  Sape,  whence  jiapvQ,  fSaps-og,  and  the  Gothic  barran,  bar^  for  to 


80 


ODYSSEY.  Xt 


[3—42. 


people  and  city  of  the  Pha3acians  ;  who  formerly  indeed  dwelt 
in  wide  Hypereia,  near  the  Cyclops,  overbearing  men,  who 
injured  them,  and  were  superior  in  strength.  Godlike  Nau- 
sithous  removing  them  led  them  from  thence,  and  settled  them 
in  Scheria  far  away  from  enterprising  men  ;  and  he  drew  a 
wall  around  the  city,  and  built  houses,  and  made  temples  for 
the  gods,  and  divided  the  plains.  But  he  already  subdued 
by  Fate  had  gone  to  Orcus ;  but  Alcinous  then  ruled,  expe¬ 
rienced  in  counsels  from  the  gods.  The  blue-eyed  goddess 
Minerva  went  to  his  house,  to  plan  the  return  of  strong-liearted 
Ulysses.  And  she  hastened  to  a  much-variegated  chamber, 
in  which  lay  a  damsel,  like  unto  the  immortals  in  nature  and 
form,  Nausicaa,  daughter  of  strong-hearted  Alcinous ;  and 
near  her  two  handmaids,  possessing  beauty  from  the  graces, 
on  each  side  of  the  portals ;  and  there  were  shining  doors 
upon  them.  But  she,  like  as  a  breath  of  wind,  rushed  into 
the  chamber  of  the  damsel,  and  stood  above  her  head,  and  ad¬ 
dressed  her,  likened  unto  the  daughter  of  Dymas,  a  famous  sail¬ 
or,  who  was  her  equal  in  age,  and  was  pleasing  to  her  mind  ; 
likened  unto  her,  blue-eyed  Minerva  addressed  her : 

“  Nausicaa,  why  has  thy  mother  brought  thee  forth  thus 
careless  ?  For  thy  splendid  garments  lie  neglected,  but  thy 
marriage  is  near,  when  it  is  fit  that  thou  shouldst  put  on 
beautiful  garments  thyself,  and  shouldst  give  some  to  others, 
who  will  conduct  thee.  For  from  these  things  a  good  report 
goes  up  among  men  ;  and  a  father  and  venerable  mother  re¬ 
joice.  But  let  us  go  to  w^ash  them  together  with  the  dawn 
of  morning,  and  I  will  follow  as  thine  assistant,  that  thou 
mayest  prepare  them  as  quick  as  possible ;  since  thou  wilt 
not  be  yet  a  long  time  a  virgin.  For  now  the  chiefs  among 
the  people  of  all  the  Phaeacians  woo  thee,  where  also  is  thine 
own  race.  But  come,  incite  thy  illustrious  sire  early  in  the 
morning  to  prepare  mules  and  a  chariot,  which  may  carry  thy 
girdles,  and  garments,  and  splendid  cloaks :  for  thus  it  will 
be  much  more  honorable  for  thee  than  to  go  on  foot ;  for  the 
places  for  washing  are  far  distant  from  the  city.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  blue-eyed  Minerva  departed  to  Olym¬ 
pus,  where  they  say  is  forever  the  firm  seat  of  the  gods,  it  is 

bear,  bore;  and  with  thn  strengthening  a  (dJ'aprifitvoQ,  dapTjpsvoc)^ 
apripsvoi',  heavily  laden.  It  was  hitherto  wrongly  connected  with  ypy- 
pivoQ. 


43—75.] 


10DYSSEY.  VI. 


81 


neither  shaken  by  the  winds, ^  nor  is  it  ever  bedewed  by  the 
showier,  nor  does  the  snow  approach  it:  but  a  most  cloudless 
serenity  is  spread  out ;  and  white  splendor  runs  over  it ;  in 
which  the  blessed  gods  are  delighted  all  their  days.  To  this 
place  Minerva  departed,  when  she  had  admonished  the  damsel. 

Immediately  the  beautiful-throned  morning  came,  which 
roused  well-clad  Nausicaa ;  but  she  marveled  at  her  dream. 
And  she  hastened  through  the  house,  that  she  might  tell  it 
to  her  parents,  her  dear  father  and  mother;  and  she  found 
them  witliin.  Her  mother  was  sitting  upon  the  hearth  whh 
her  female  attendants  turning  her  sea-purpled  threads  [of 
wool] ;  but  her  father  she  met  at  the  door,  going  to  the  il¬ 
lustrious  princes,  to  a  council,  where  the  noble  Phgeacians 
had  invited  him.  She  therefore,  standing  very  near,  address¬ 
ed  her  dear  father : 

“My  dear  father,  wouldst  thou  prepare^  a  lofty  chariot 
with  good  wheels  for  mt,  that  I  may  take  my  beautiful  gar¬ 
ments  to  the  river  to  waf-h  them,  which  lie  begrimed  ?  And 
it  is  fit  for  thee  thyself,  when  going  among  the  chiefs,  to  con¬ 
sult  counsels,  having  clean  garments  on  thy  body  ;  and  five 
dear  sons  are  born  to  thee  in  thy  palace,  of  whom  two  are 
married,  but  three  unmarried,  in  the  bloom  of  life:  but  they 
always  desire  to  go  to  the  dance  having  their  garments  fresh 
washed;  and  all  these  things  are  a  care  to  my  mind.’’ 

Thus  she  spoke;  for  she  was  ashamed  to  mention  to  her 
dear  father  her  blooming  marriage ;  but  he  understood  all, 
and  answered  her  with  w^ords  :  “  1  grudge  thee  not  the  mules, 
my  child,  nor  any  thing  else  ;  go,  and  the  servants  shall  pre- 
p.are  for  thee  a  lofty,  well-wheeled  chariot,  fitted  with  a  cov¬ 
ering.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  commanded  the  servants  ;  and  they 
obeyed.  They  without  prepared  the  swift  chariot  drawn  by 
mules,  and  led  the  mules  under,  and  yoked  them  under  the 
chariot ;  and  the  damsel  brought  out  her  beautiful  shining 
vesture  from  the  chamber,  and  placed  it  in  the  well-wrought 

*  These  verses  are  splendidly  expressed  by  Lueret.  iii.  18. 

“Apparet  Divom  numen,  sedesque  quietje, 

Quas  neque  concutinnt  venti,  neqne  nubila  nimbis 
Aspergunt,  neque  nix  acri  concreta  pruina 
Cana  cadens  violat,  seniperque  innubiliis  jEther 
Integit,  et  large  diffuso  lumine  ridet.” 

’  Cf.  Thierseh,  Gk.  Gr.  §  352,  d,  G,  referred  to  by  Loewe. 

/  I)  2 


82 


ODYSSEY.  VI. 


[76—111. 


chariot :  and  her  mother  put  varied  food,  grateful  to  the 
mind,  in  a  chest,  and  she  put  in  it  dainties,  and  poured  wine 
into  a  flagon  of  goat-skin  ;  and  the  damsel  mounted  the  char¬ 
iot ;  and  she^  gave  to  her^  moist  oil  in  a  golden  cruse,  that 
she  mio-ht  anoint  herself  with  her  women  attendants.  And 
she  took  the  whip,  and  the  beautiful  reins,  and  lashed  [the 
mules]  that  they  might  go  on  ;  and  there  was  a  noise  of  the 
mules:  for  they  were  on  the  stretch  without  ceasing:  and 
they  carried  the  garments  and  her,  not  alone ;  [for]  other 
handmaidens  also  went  with  her. 

When  they  had  now  reached  the  most  beautiful  stream  of 
the  river,  where  were  continual  places  for  washing,  and  much 
beautiful  water  flowed  out,  [enough]  even  to  cleanse  very  filthy 
things  :  there  they  loosed  the  mules  from  under  the  chariot, 
and  drove  them  close  to  the  eddying  river,  that  they  mighi 
eat  the  sweet  grass ;  but  they  took  the  garments  out  of  the 
chariot  with  their  hands,  and  put  them  into  the  black  water : 
and  they  trod  them  in  the  cisterns,  quickly  showing  rivalry. 
But  when  they  had  washed  and  cleared  all  the  filth,  they 
spread  them  in  order  on  the  shore  of  the  sea,  where  the  wave 
most  washed  the  stones  to  the  beach.  And  having  washed  and 
anointed  themselves  with  the  smooth  oil,  they  then  took  their 
meal  near  the  banks  of  the  river:  but  they  waited  for  their 
garments  to  be  dried  by  the  beams  of  the  sun.  But  w^hen  her 
handmaidens  and  herself  were  satiated  with  food,  they  played 
at  ball,  having  thrown  off  their  head-dresses ;  and  white-armed 
Nausicaa  began  the  song  for  them.  Such  as  Diana^  who  re¬ 
joices  in  the  bow,  traverses  over  the  mountain,  either  lofty 
Taygetus  or  Erimanthus,  delighting  herself  with  boars  and 
fleet  stags,  and  with  her  the  rural  nymphs,  daughters  of  ./Egis- 
bearing  Jove,  sport;  and  Latona  rejoices  in  her  mind;  and 
she  is  [eminent]  above  all  by  her  head  and  her  forehead,  for 
she  is  easily  known,  but  all  of  them  are  fair :  so  tliis  chaste 
virgin  excelled  among  her  handmaidens.  But  when  they 
were  now  about  to  return  home  again,  having  yoked  the 

The  mother  of  Nausicaa.  ®  Nausicaa. 

*  Cf.  Milton.  Par.  Lost,  ix.  386. 

- “  like  a  wood-nymph  light, 

Oread  or  Dryad,  or  of  Delia’s  train, 

Betook  her  to  the  woods,  but  Delia's  self 
In  gait  surj)assed,  and  goddess-like  deport.” 


Ill— 149.J 


ODYSSEY.  VI. 


83 


mules,  and  folded  the  beautiful  garments,  then  the  blue-eyed 
goddess  Minerva  meditated  other  things,  that  Ulysses  should 
be  roused,  and  behold  the  beautiful  damsel,  who  might  lead 
him  to  the  city  of  the  Phceacians.  Then  the  queen  threw  the 
ball  to  a  handmaiden  :  it  missed  the  handmaiden,  and  fell  into 
a  deep  eddy.  But  they  cried  out  loudly  ;  and  divine  Ulysses 
was  aroused  ;  and  sitting  up,  he  deliberated  in  his  soul  and  in 
his  mind. 

I  “  Woe  is  me,  into  the  land  of  what  mortals  am  I  now 
come?  Are  they  violent  and  wild,  and  not  just?  Or  are 
they  hospitable,  and  have  they  a  holy  mind  ?  Since  a  female 
voice  of  damsel  nymphs,  who  possess  the  lofty  summits  of  the 
mountains,  and  the  fountains  of  the  rivers,  and  the  grassy 
marshes,  has  come  around  me ;  or  am  I  by  chance  near  men 
who  possess  the  power  of  speech?  But  come,  I  myself  will 
try,  and  see.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  divine  Ulysses  went  from  under  the 
thickets ;  and  with  his  strong  hand  he  broke  a  branch  of 
leaves  from  the  thick  wood,  that  he  might  cover  the  unseem¬ 
ly  parts  of  a  man  around  his  body.  And  he  hastened,  like 
as  a  lion  nourished  in  the  mountains,  trusting  in  his  might, 
that  goes  rained  and  blown  upon ;  and  his  eyes  burn ;  and 
he  comes  after  oxen,  or  sheep,  or  the  wild  stags ;  for  hun¬ 
ger  commands  him  to  enter  even  a  close  abode  to  make  an 
attempt  upon  the  flocks :  thus  Ulysses,  although  naked,  was 
about  to  mingle  with  the  fair-haired  damsels ;  for  necessity 
came  upon  him.  But  he  appeared  dreadful  to  them,  being 
defiled  by  the  brine ;  and  they  fled  in  terror  each  in  different 
ways  through  the  projecting  shores.  But  the  daughter  of 
Alcinous  alone  remained ;  for  IMinerva  put  confidence  in  her 
mind,  and  took  fear  from  her  limbs;  and  she  stood  keeping 
herself  before  liim.  But  Ulysses  meditated,  whether  taking 
hold  of  her  knees  he  should  supplicate  the  beautiful  damsel, 
or  as  he  was  standing  at  a  distance  should  beseech  her  with 
mild  words,  if  she  would  show  him  the  city,  and  give  him 
garments.  So,  indeed,  as  lie  considered,  it  seemed  to  him  to 
be  better,  standing  at  a  distance,  to  beseech  her  with  mild 
words,  lest  the  damsel  should  be  wrath  with  him  in  her  mind, 
taking  hold  of  her  knees.  Forthwith  he  spoke  a  mild  and 
crafty  word : 

“  1  supplicate  thee,  O  queen  ;  whether  thou  art  some  god* 


84 


ODYSSEY.  VI. 


[150—190. 


dess,  or  a  mortal ;  if  indeed  thou  art  some  goddess  of  those 
who  possess  the  wide  heaven,  I  consider  thee  most  like  unto 
Diana,  the  daughter  of  mighty  Jove,  in  form,  stature,  and 
nature  ;  but  if  thou  art  some  one  of  mortals  who  dwell  on  the 
earth,  thrice  blessed  thy  sire  and  venerable  mother,  and  thrice 
blessed  thy  brothers  ;  much  I  ween  their  mind  is  ever  de¬ 
lighted  with  joy  on  account  of  thee,  when  they  behold  such  a 
branch  entering  the  dance.  He  moreover  is  above  others 
most  blessed  in  his  heart,  who  shall  lead  thee  home,  having 
loaded  himself  with  bridal  gifts.  For  never  have  I  seen  such 
a  mortal  with  my  eyes,  either  man  or  woman  ;  a  reverential 
feeling  possesses  me  as  I  look  upon  thee.  Lately  I  saw  such 
a  young  shoot  of  a  palm  growing  up  in  Delos,  near  the  altar 
of  Apollo:  for  I  came  thither,  and  much  people  followed  me 
on  that  journey,  which  was  about  to  produce  evil  cares  for 
me :  in  the  same  manner  also  when  I  beheld  that,  I  was  a 
long  time  astonished  in  my  mind  ;  for  never  had  such  a  tree 
sprung  up  from  the  earth.  So  I  admire  and  run  astonished 
at  thee,  O  lady,  and  1  fear  veiy  much  to  touch  thy  knees. 
But  .hard  grief  comes  upon  me.  Yesterday  in  the  twentieth 
day  I  escaped  from  the  black  sea ;  for  a  long  time  the  wave 
and  the  swift  storms  continually  carried  me  from  the  island 
Ogygia ;  but  now  the  deity  has  cast  me  here,  that  I  may  still 
perhaps  suffer  evil  even  here  ;  for  I  do  not  think  that  it  will 
cease;  but  even  before  this  the  gods  accomplish  many  things. 
But  do  thou,  O  queen,  pity  me,  for  having  suffered  many  mis- 
erie.«!,  I  come  to  thee  first ;  but  I  know  no  one  of  the  other 
human  beings  who  possess  this  city  and  land.  Show  me  the 
city,  and  give  me  an  old  garment  to  put  on,  if  by  chance  com¬ 
ing  here  thou  hast  the  wrapping  of  old  garments.  But  may 
the  gods  grant  thee  as  many  things  as  thou  desirest  in  thy 
mind,  a  husband,  and  house,  and  excellent  concord  may  they 
grant ;  for  there  is  not  any  thing  more  excellent  and  better 
than  this,  than  when  a  husband  and  wife,  agreeing  in  their 
counsels,  manage  a  house  ;  [causing]  many  griefs  to  their  ene¬ 
mies,  and  joys  to  their  well-wishers ;  and  they  themselves  par¬ 
ticularly  are  sensible  of  it.” 

But  him  white-armed  Nausicaa  answered  in  turn :  “  O 
stranger,  since  thou  art  not  like  unto  a  worthless  or  foolish 
man,  and  Olympian  Jove  himself  distributes  happiness  to  men, 
good  or  bad,  to  each  as  he  chooses ;  and  perhaps  he  has  given 


190—226.] 


ODYSSEY.  VI. 


85 


these  things  to  thee,  but  however  it  is  fit  that  thou  shoulclst 
endure  them.  But  now,  since  thou  comest  to  our  city  and 
land,  thou  shalt  neither  be  in  want  of  clothing,  nor  any  thing 
else  of  the  things  which  are  fit  for  a  suppliant  from  afar'  who 
meets  here.  And  I  will  show  thee  the  city,  and  will  tell  thee 
the  name  of  the  people.  The  Fhmacians  possess  this  city  and 
land ;  but  I  am  the  daughter  of  strong-hearted  Alcinous,  on 
whom  the  strength  and  might  of  the  Pheeacians  depends.” 

She  spoke,  and  gave  order  to  her  fair-haired  handmaidens  s 

Stop,  I  pray  you,  handmaidens ;  whither  are  ye  flying, 
when  ye  behold  a  man  ?  whether  do  you  think  that  he  is  some 
one  of  hostile  men  ?  There  is  not  that  man  a  living  mort;d, 
nor  could  there  be,  who  would  come  to  the  land  of  the  Phrna- 
cians,  bringing  hostility:  for  we  are  very  dear  to  the  immor¬ 
tals;  and  we  dwell  at  a  distance,  the  farthest  in  the  sea  of 
many  waves,  nor  does  any  other  of  mortals  mingle  with  us. 
But  this  one  comes  here,  some  wretched  wanderer,  whom 
now  it  is  fit  to  take  care  of :  for  all  strangers  and  beggars  are 
from  Jove ;  and  even  a  little  gift  is  grateful.  But,  O  hand¬ 
maidens,  give  meat  and  drink  to  the  stranger :  and  wash  him 
in  the  river  where  there  is  a  shelter  from  the  wind.” 

Thus  she  spoke,  but  they  stood  and  commanded  one  an¬ 
other:  and  then  they  placed  Ulysses  under  shelter,  as  Nau- 
sicaa,  the  daughter  of  strong-hearted  Alcinous,  bade  them ; 
and  near  him  they  placed  a  mantle  and  tunic  and  garments ; 
and  they  gave  him  liquid  oil  in  a  golden  cruse,  and  they  de¬ 
sired  him  to  wasli  himself  in  the  streams  of  the  river.  Then, 
indeed,  Ulysses  addressed  the  handmaidens :  “  O  handmaid' 
ens,  stand  at  a  distance  thus,  until  I  myself  shall  wash  ti  c 
brine  from  my  shoulders,  and  shall  anoint  them  around  with 
oil ;  for  ointment  has  been  a  long  time  tiway  from  my  body ; 
but  I  will  not  wash  before  you ;  for  I  am  ashamed  to  be  na¬ 
ked,  being  come  among  faired-haired  damsels.” 

'rims  he  spoke,  and  tliey  went  to  a  distance  and  told  it  to 
the  virgin.  But  divine  Ulysses  washed  away  the  brine,  which 
surrounded  his  back  and  wide  shoulders,  from  his  body  in 
the  river ;  and  from  his  head  he  wiped  off  the  froth  of  the 
barren  sea. 

'  TaXaTreipiogy  avri  rov  ^ivog,  Kal  TroppioOtv  7re7rtp'iK0)c,  p  iiaKpodEV 
ocpiypfvog.  Schol.  This  word  must  not  be  confounded  ra\ainujpoQ. 
8ee  Eoewe. 


86 


ODYSSEY.  VI. 


[227—262. 


But  when  he  had  waslied  himself  all  over,  and  anointed 
liimself  with  oil,  and  had  put  on  the  garments  whicli  tlie 
chaste  virgins  gave  him ;  Minerva,  born  of  Jove,  made  him 
greater  and  stouter  to  behold :  and  from  his  head  she  made 
his  hair  curled,  like  unto  a  hyacinthine®  flower.  As  when 
some  skillful  man,  whom  Vulcan  and  Pallas  Minerva  have 
instructed  in  a  cunning  art,  pours  gold  round  silver,  and  per¬ 
forms  beautiful  works ;  so  she  shed  grace  on  his  head  and 
shoulders.  Then,  going  to  a  distance,  he  sat  down  on  the 
shore  of  the  sea,  shining  with  beauty  and  gracefulness ;  and 
the  virgin  admiring  beheld  him ;  then  she  spoke  [thus]  to  the 
fair-haired  handmaidens : 

“  Listen  to  me,  ye  white-armed  handmaidens,  while  I  shall 
say  something.  This  man  does  not  come  among  the  godlike 
Phaeacians,  against  the  will  of  all  the  gods  who  possess  the 
wide  heaven.  For  he  before  appeared  to  me  to  be  unseem¬ 
ly,  but  now  he  is  like  unto  tlij  gods,  who  possess  the  wide 
heaven.  I  wish  such  an  one  might  be  called  my  husband, 
dwelling  here,  and  it  might  please  him  to  remain  here.  But, 
O  handmaidens,  give  to  the  stranger  meat  and  drink.*’ 

Thus  she  spoke,  and  they  heard  her,  and  immediately 
obeyed,  and  near  Ulysses  they  placed  meat  and  drink.  Much- 
enduring  divine  Ulysses  indeed  drank  and  ate  greedily ;  for 
he  had  been  a  long  time  without  tasting  food.  But  white¬ 
armed  Nausicaa  thought  upon  other  things ;  having  folded 
the  garments,  she  placed  them  on  the  beautiful  chariot,  and 
yoked  the  solid-hoofed  mules;  and  she  herself  mounted  it; 
and  she  encouraged  Ulysses,  and  spoke  and  said : 

“  Rise  now,  O  stranger,  to  go  to  the  city,  that  I  may  con¬ 
duct  thee  to  the  house  of  my  prudent  sire,  where  I  tliink  that 
thou  wilt  see  as  many  as  are  the  chief  of  all  the  Phaeacians. 
But  by  all  means  do  thus,  for  thou  seemest  to  me  not  to  be 
without  understanding ;  while  we  go  through  the  fields  and 
the  tillage  of  men,  so  long  do  thou  come  quickly  with  the 
handmaidens,  after  tlie  mules  and  chariot :  and  1  will  lead 
the  way.  But  when  we  shall  go  up  to  the  city,  around  whict 

•  Imitator!  by  Milton,  P.  L.  iv'.  300: 

“Ills  fair  large  front  and  eye  sublime  declared 
Absolute  rule  ;  and  liyacinthine  locks 
Hound  from  liis  parted  forelock  manly  hung 
Clustering.” 


262—301.] 


ODYSSEY.  VI. 


87 


there  is  a  lofty  turret,  and  a  fair  port  on  each  side  of  the  city, 
and  a  narrow  entrance ;  and  on  the  way  the  sliips  rowed  on 
botli  sides  are  drawn  up  ;  for  in  each  there  is  a  station  for  all ; 
and  there  is  their  forum,  around  the  beautiful  temple  of  Nep¬ 
tune,  fitted  with  large^  stones  dug  out  of  the  earth.  There 
they  take  care  of  the  tackle  of  the  black  ships,  the  ropes,  and 
the  cables,  and  they  sharpen  the  oars.  For  neither  the  bow 
nor  the  quiver  are  a  care  to  the  Phaeacians,  but  masts  and 
oars  of  ships,  and  the  equal  ships,  rejoicing  in  which,  they 
pass  over  the  hoary  sea.  Their  harsh  report  I  shun,  lest  some 
one  should  blame  me  behind  my  back  ;  for  they  are  very  over¬ 
bearing  among  the  people.  And  perchance  some  worse  one 
meeting  us  would  say,  ‘  Who  is  this  handsome  and  portly 
stranger  who  follows  Nausicaa?  where  did  she  find  him  will 
he  now  indeed  be  her  husband  ?  She  has  either  brought  from 
her  own  ship  some  one  of  men  from  a  far  country  who  was 
wandering ;  for  there  are  none  near.  Or  some  much-prayed- 
for  god,  descending  from  heaven,  has  come  to  her  at  her  en¬ 
treaty;  and  she  will  have  him  all  her  days.  It  were  better 
for  her,  if  she  herself  had,  departing,  found  a  husband  else¬ 
where  ;  for  she  despises  these  PhaBacians  among  the  people, 
who  woo  her,  numerous  and  excellent.’  So  they  will  say,  and 
these  things  would  be  reproaches  against  me :  but  I  should 
be  ind’gnant  with  another,  who  should  do  such  things,  who 
should  have  intercourse  with  men  against  the  will  of  her  dear 
father  and  mother  still  alive,  before  her  nuptials  came  openly. 
Do  thou,  O  stranger,  thus  attend  to  my  word,  that  thou  may- 
est  as  quickly  as  possible  obtain  a  conduct  and  return  from 
my  father.  We  shall  find  a  beautiful  grove  of  Minerva,  near 
the  way  of  poplars :  and  in  it  a  fountain  flows,  and  round  it 
there  is  a  meadow.  There  is  the  allotted  estate^®  of  my  fa¬ 
ther,  and  the  flourishing  orchard,  so  far  from  the  city  as  one 
shouting  out  makes  [others]  hear  ;  sit  down  there  and  wait  for 
some  time,  until  we  come  to  the  city,  and  reach  the  house  of 
my  father.  But  when  thou  thinkest  that  we  have  come  to 
the  house,  then  go  to  the  city  of  the  PhaBacians,  and  inquire  for 
the  house  of  my  strong-hearted  father,  Alcinous.  But  it  is 
easily  known,  and  even  a  boy  would  load  thee :  for  the  houses 

®  Literally,  “drawn  stones,”  for  they  were  so  large  that  it  was  neces¬ 
sary  to  draw  them. 

Tip-tvoQ,  Iraq  aitOTiTfirifXiVoq  tig  TifiijP  roTTog.  Ajioll.  Lex. 


88 


ODYSSEY.  VI. 


[301—331. 


of  the  Phceacians  are  not  made  like  it,  sucli  is  the  liouse  of 
the  hero  Alcinous.  But  when  the  house  and  the  hall  conceal 
thee,  go  very  quickly  through  the  palace,  until  thou  coniest 
to  my  mother:  but  she  sits  on  the  hearth  in  the  beam  of  the 
fire,  turning  the  sea-purple  threads  of  wool,  wondrous  to  be¬ 
hold,  reclining  against  a  pillar,  and  her  handmaidens  sit  be¬ 
hind  her.  There  the  throne  of  my  father  is  reclined  near  her; 
in  this  he  sitting,  as  an  immortal,  drinks  wine ;  passing  by 
him,  place  thine  hands  upon  the  knees  of  my  mother,  that 
rejoicing  thou  mayest  behold  the  day  of  thy  return,  quickly, 
although  thou  art  very  far  off.  If  indeed  slie  shall  be  kindly 
disposed  in  her  mind,  then  there  is  a  hope  that  thou  wilt  see 
thy -friends,  and  come  to  thy  well-built  house,  and  to  thy  pa¬ 
ternal  land.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  she  lashed  the  mules  with  the  shining 
scourge,  and  they  quickly  left  the  streams  of  the  river:  tliey 
ran  well,  and  curveted  briskly  with  their  feet.  She  also  drove 
well,  in  order  that  the  handmaidens  and  Ulysses  might  follow 
together  on  foot ;  and  she  threw  the  lash  with  skill.  And  the 
sun  set,  and  they  came  to  the  illustrious  grove,  sacred  to  JNIi- 
nerva,  where  divine  Ulysses  sat  down :  then  he  immediately 
prayed  to  the  daughter  of  mighty  Jove  : 

“  Hear  me,  O  thou  unsubdued  daughter  of  HCofis-beariiifir 
Jove,  now  at  length  listen  to  me,  since  thou  hast  never  before 
listened  to  me  being  shipwrecked,  when  illustrious  Neptune 
shipwrecked  me.  Grant  that  I  may  come  friendly  and  an 
object  of  pity  to  the  Phasacians.” 

Thus  he  spoke  praying,  but  Pallas  Minerva  heard  him  ; 
but  she  did  not  yet  appear  before  him;  for  she  had  an  awe 
of  her  father’s  brother for  he  was  vehemently  wrathful  with 
godlike  Ulysses,  before  he  arrived  at  his  own  land. 

"  Neptune. 


1—26.] 


ODYSSEY.  VII. 


89 


BOOK  VI  L 

ARGUMENT. 

Nausicaa  reaches  the  city ;  but  Ulysses  on  his  way  thither  is  met  by 
Minerva,  who  shows  him  the  house  of  Alcinous ;  arriving  at  which, 
he  throws  himself  at  the  feet  of  Arete,  the  wife  of  Alcinous,  and  entreats 
her  to  send  him  home  to  his  own  country.  Alcinous  bids  him  rise,  and 
gives  him  food  to  eat.  But  Arete,  recognizing  his  garments,  inquires 
of  him  whence  he  got  them :  upon  which  he  relates  the  history  of  his 
voyage  and  wreck,  and  his  meeting  with  Nausicaa. 

Thus  then  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  prayed  there,  but 
the  strength  of  the  mules  carried  the  damsel  to  the  city.  But 
when  she  at  length  arrived  at  the  illustrious  house  of  her  father, 
she  then  stood  in  the  portico ;  and  her  brothers  stood  around 
her,  like  unto  the  immortals  ;  and  they  loosed  the  mules  from 
the  chariot,  and  carried  her  garments  within.  But  she  herself 
went  to  her  chamber ;  and  for  her  an  old  woman  of  Epirus 
lighted  a  fire,  the  chamber-maid  Eurymedusa,  whom  formerly 
ships  rowed  on  both  sides  brought  from  Epirus ;  but  they  chose 
her  out  as  a  prize  for  Alcinous,  because  l.e  was  ruler  over  all 
the  Phaeacians,  and  the  people  listened  to  him,  as  to  a  god ; 
who  nurtured  Avhite-armed  Nausicaa  in  the  palace  ;  and  Avho 
kindled  her  fire,  and  set  out  supper  within.  And  then  Ulysses 
started  to  go  toward  the  city,  and  Minerva,  having  a  friendly 
disposition  toward  Ulysses,  shed  much  darkness  around  him, 
lest  any  one  of  the  high-minded  Phaeacians,  meeting  him,  should 
both  reproach  liirn  with  words,  and  inquire  of  him  who  he  was. 
But  when  he  was  about  to  enter  the  lovely  city,  then  the  blue- 
eyed  goddess  Minerva  met  him,  likened  unto  a  virgin  young 
woman  bearing  a  pitcher ;  and  she  stood  before  him,  and  di¬ 
vine  Ulysses  inquired  of  her  : 

“  O  child,  couldst  thou  not  lead  me  to  the  house  of  the  man 
Alcinous,  who  reigns  among  these  men?  Eor  I  am  come 
liither  a  stranger  from  jifar,’  having  experienced  labor,  far  off 
from  a  distant^  land :  wherefore  I  know  none  of  the  men  who 
possess  this  city  and  fields.”^ 

*  On  the  meaning  of  raXaTrelpioc  see  my  note  on  vi,  193. 

^  The  student  must  bear  in  mind  that  this  epithet  in  Homer  does  not 
designate  the  rdoponnesus,  but  is  sim])lv  equivalent  to  dXXodaTrijg, 
Kai  ficiKpuv  cnrtxovtrpQ  ils  in  Eustath.,  Apoll.,  Ilesych.,  etc.  See 
Buttm.  Lexil.  ]).  154,  and  Loewe’s  note. 

I  consider  myself  justified  in  rendering  tpya,  Jields,  tilled  lands,  from 


90 


ODYSSEY.  VII. 


[27—60. 


P)Ut  him  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  addressed  in  turn  ; 
“I  will  show  thee  then,  O  father  stranger,  the  house  which 
tliou  desirest  me ;  since  he  dwell-  near  my  illustrious  sii'c. 
Hut  go  thus  in  silence  ;  and  I  will  lead  the  way.  Nor  do 
thou  look  at,  nor  inquire  of  any  man  ;  for  they  do  not  easily 
tolerate  strange  men,  nor  loving  one  who  comes  from  else¬ 
where,  do  they  receive  him  in  a  friendly  manner.  Trust iiig 
in  their  swift  ships,  they  pass  over  the  mighty  gulf,  since 
Neptune  has  granted  that  to  them  ;  their  ships  are  swift  as  a 
bird  or  a  thought.”^ 

Thus  having  spoken,  Pallas  Minerva  quickly  led  the  way ; 
but  he  went  immediately  after  the  steps  of  the  goddess.  But 
the  sea-famed  Phaeacians  did  not  perceive  him  coming  through 
the  city  among  them  :  for  fair-haired  Minerva  did  not  permit 
them,  shrewd  goddess,  who  indeed  shed  a  divine  cloud  about 
him,  counseling  kind  things  in  her  mind.  But  Ulysses  mar¬ 
veled  at  the  havens  and  tlie  equal  ships,  and  the  forms  of  the 
heroes  themselves,  and  the  long  walls,  lofty,  fitted  with  stakes, 
a  wonder  to  behold.  But  when  they  came  to  the  illustrious 
palace  of  the  king,  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  began  to 
address  him 

‘‘This  then,  O  father  stranger,  is  the  house  which  thou 
badest  me  show  thee;  and  thou  wilt  find  the  Jove-nurtured 
kings  banqueting  at  a  feast:  but  do  thou  go  within,  nor  fear 
at  all  in  thy  mind  ;  for  a  bold  man  is  better  in  all  affairs, 
even  if  he  comes  from  somewhere  else.  First,  indeed,  tliou 
wilt  find  the  queen  in  the  palace,  and  her  surname  is  Arete : 
and  she  is  from  the  same  ancestors  who  gave  birth  to  king 
Alcinous.  Nausithoiis  first  earth-shaking  Neptune  begat, 
and  I’eribrea,  in  form  the  finest  of  women,  youngest  daughter 
of  strong-hearted  Eurymedon,  who  formerly  reigned  over  the 
haughty  giants :  but  he  destroyed  the  impious  people,  and 

the  similar  use  of  the  word  in  other  passaj^es.  So  also  Oppian,  ii.  161, 
TvavTi]  tpya  ftoiov.  Virp.  Georg,  i.  825,  “et  pluvia  ingenti  sata  keta 
boumque  labores.  Cf.  Ilesych.  tpya,  vrort  ^itu  rd  Kara  rt'jv  ytwpyiav. 
It  may  however  mean,  “buildings,”  “structures.”  See  Bachr.  on  Ile- 
rodot.  i.  Introd.  And  this  view  is  somewhat  favored  by  vs.  48,  sqcp  and 
Virg.  TEn.  i.  425,  sqq. 

*  “  Themistius,  Gr.  6,  alludes  to  this  passage,  Outtov  Tcrtpov  Kal  voq- 
paTOQ.  And  TTTtpov  and  voppa  are  fitly  joined,  since  irTtpov  tov  dvOpi^ 
TTOu  \oyi(Tp.oQ  a'uTov,  Chrys.  llom.  ii.  irtpi  tu>v  ’Avdp."  Duport,  Gnom. 
Horn.  ]).  180,  sq. 

‘  I  am  still  dissatisfied  with  rotat. 


61—98.] 


ODYSSEY.  VII. 


91 


himself  was  destroyed.  But  with  her  Neptune  had  inter¬ 
course,  and  begat  a  strong-hearted  son,  Nausithous,  who 
reigned  among  the  PluBacians.  But  Nausithous  begat  Kexc- 
nor  and  Alcinous.  The  former  silver-bowed  Apollo  smote, 
being  without  male  offspring,  a  bridegroom  in  the  palace, 
leaving  only  one  daughter.  Arete:  but  her  Alcinous  made  his 
wife,  and  honored  her  as  no  other  [woman]  is  honored  on  the 
earth,  whatsoever  women  at  least  now  keep  house  under  hus¬ 
bands,  as  she  has  been  honored  in  heart  and  is  still,  both  by 
her  dear  children  and  by  Alcinous  himself,  and  the  people, 
who,  looking  upon  her  as  a  goddess,  welcome  her  with  words, 
when  she  goes  through  the  city.  For  she  herself  is  by  no 
means  in  want  of  good  understanding,  and  she  settles  disputes 
among  men,  to  whom  she  wishes  well.  If  then  indeed  she 
shall  be  kindly  disposed  toward  thee  in  her  mind,  there  is  a 
hope  for  thee  hereafter  to  behold  thy  friends,  and  come  to  thy 
lofty-roofed  house,  and  thine  own  paternal  land.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  blue-eyed  Minerva  departed  over  the 
barren  sea ;  and  left  lovely  Scheria :  and  she  came  to  Mara¬ 
thon,  and  wide-stretched  Athens,  and  she  entered  the  compact 
house  of  Erectheus.  But  Ulysses  went  to  the  illustrious  dwell¬ 
ings  of  Alcinous;  and  his  heart  meditated  many  things,  as  he 
stood  before  he  arrived  at  the  brazen  threshold  :  for  it  was  as 
the  shining  of  the  sun  or  moon,  through  the  lofty-roofed  house 
of  strong-hearted  Alcinous.  For  brazen  walls  were  firmly 
built^’  each  way,  to  the  recess  from  the  threshold  ;  and  around 
it  a  cornice  of  blue  color ;  and  golden  doors  inclosed  the  firm 
house  within  ;  and  silver  pillars  stood  on  the  brazen  thresh¬ 
old,  and  there  was  a  silver  lintel  over  it,  and  a  golden  ring."^ 
And  on  each  side  there  were  golden  and  silver  dogs,  which 
Vulcan  made  with  his  skillful  mind,  to  guard  the  house  of  mag¬ 
nanimous  Alcinous,  being  immortal®  and  free  from  old  age 
all  their  days.  But  within  thrones  were  firmly  set  here  and 
there  around  the  wall,  throughout,  from  the  threshold  to  the 
recess :  there  were  thrown  over  them  slender  well-woven 
mantles,  the  works  of  women.  Here  the  leaders  of  the  l^haea- 

‘  The  reading  Ifnjpsdar  for  IXrjXdSar  is  now  fully  established.  See 
Ernesti  and  Loewe. 

’  Or  fastening.  Cf.  i.  441,  Ovprjv  6’  tTrtpvaae  Koptljvy  ’Apyvpey.  See 
Pollux,  vii.  26.  Ilesych.  o  Kp'iKog  t>]q  Ouoag. 

“  i.  e.  the  dogs. 


92 


ODYSSEY.  VII. 


pO— 142. 


clans  sat  drinking  and  eating;  for  they  held  it  all  the  year. 
But  golden  youths  stood  upon  the  well-built  pedestals,  hold¬ 
ing  in  their  hands  burning  torches,  which  shone  during  the 
night  to  the  banqueters  through  the  house.  And  there  were 
fifty  women  servants  in  the  house;  some  grind  apple-color¬ 
ed  corn  in  the  mill,  othei-s  weave  the  webs,  and  whirl  the 
spindles  as  they  sit,  like  as  the  leaves  of  a  tall  poplar;  and 
moist  oil  drips  from  the  well-woven  linen.  As  much  as  the 
Phmacians  are  skilled  above  all  men  to  guide  a  swift  ship  in 
the  sea,  so  are  the  women  in  Aveaving  the  web :  for  Minerva 
granted  them  exceedingly  to  be  acquainted  with  beautiful 
works,  and  [endowed  them  with]  a  good  understanding.  But 
without  the  hall  there  is  a  large  garden,  near  the  gates,  of 
four  acres  ;  but  around  it  a  hedge  was  extended  on  both  sides. 
And  there  tall  flourishing  trees  grew,  pears,  and  pomegran¬ 
ates,  and  apple-trees  producing  beautiful  fruit,  and  sweet 
figs,  and  flourishing  olives.  Of  these  the  fruit  never  perishes, 
nor  does  it  fail  in  winter  or  summer,  lasting  throughout  the 
whole  year;  but  the  west  wind  ever  blowing  makes  some  bud 
forth,  and  ripens  others.  Bear  grows  old  after  pear,  apple 
after  apple,  grape  also  after  grape,  and  fig  after  fig.  There  a 
fruitful  vineyard  was  planted :  one  ])art  of  this  ground,  ex¬ 
posed  to  the  sun  in  a  wide  place,  is  dried  by  the  sun  ;  and  some 
[grapes]  they  are  gathering,  and  others  they  are  treading,  and 
further  on  are  unripe  grapes,  having  thrown  off  the  flower,  and 
others  are  slightly  changing  color.  And  there  are  all  kinds  of 
beds  laid  out  in  order  to  the  furthest  part  of  the  ground,  flour¬ 
ishing  throughout  the  Avhole  year:  and  in  it  are  two  fountains, 
one  is  spread  through  the  Avhole  garden,  but  the  other  on  the 
other  side  goes  under  the  threshold  of  the  hall  to  the  lofty 
house,  from  whence  the  citizens  are  wont  to  draw  Avater.  Such 
indeed  Avere  the  glorious  gifts  of  the  gods  in  the  house  of 
Alcinous.  There  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  standing  ad¬ 
mired  it.  But  AA^hen  he  had  admired  all  things  in  his  mind, 
he  quickly  passed  over  the  threshold  Avitliin  the  house.  And 
he  found  the  leaders  and  chieftains  of  the  I’lueacians  makin<x 
libations  in  their  cups  to  the  Avatchful  Argus-slayer,  to  Avlioni 
they  last  made  libations,  Avhen  they  Avere  thinking  of  bed. 
But  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  Avent  through  the  house, 
having  a  heavy  mist,  Avhich  Minerva  shed  around  him,  until 
he  came  to  Arete  and  king  Alcinous,  Avhen  Ulysses  thrcAv  his 


143— 180.  J 


ODYSSEY.  VII 


93 


liands  around  the  knees  of  Arete.  And  then  indeed  the  di¬ 
vine  mist  was  again  dispersed  from  him.  But  they  became 
speecliless  in  the  house  on  beliolding  the  man,  and  seeing  him 
they  marveled;  and  Ulysses  besought  her  ; 

“  O  Arete,  daughter  of  godlike  Bexenor,  I  come  to  thy 
husband  and  to  thy  knees,  having  gone  through  many  toils, 
and  to  these  guests,  to  whom  may  the  gods  grant  to  live 
happily,  and  may  each  hand  down  to  his  children  the  posses¬ 
sions  in  his  palace,  and  whatever  honor  the  people  has  given 
him.  But  for  me  prepare  ye  an  escort,  that  I  quickly  reach 
my  paternal  land;  since  for  a  long  time  I  suffer  griefs  away 
from  my  friends.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  sat  down  on  the  hearth  in  the  dust 
near  tlie  fire  ;  but  they  were  all  speechless  in  silence.  At 
length  however  the  aged  hero  Echeneus  addressed  them,  who 
was  the  oldest  of  the  Phseacians,  and  surpassed  in  speaking, 
being  acquainted  with  both  many  and  ancient  things.  He, 
thinking  well,  harangued  and  addressed  them  : 

‘‘  O  AlcinoihS,  this  is  not  more  honorable^  for  thee,  nor  is  it 
seemly,  that  a  stranger  should  sit  on  the  ground  on  the  hearth 
in  the  dust;  but  these  restrain  themselves,  awaiting  thy  com¬ 
mand.  But  come  now,  raise  uj)  the  stranger  and  set  him  on 
a  silver-studded  throne ;  and  do  thou  command  the  heralds 
to  mix  additional  wine,  that  we  may  make  libations  to  thun¬ 
der-rejoicing  Jove,  who  attends  venerable  suppliants:  but  let 
the  housekeeper  give  a  meal  to  the  stranger  fi-om  the  things 
that  are  within.” 

And  forthwith  when  the  sacred  might  of  Alcinous^®  heard 
this,  taking  the  prudent  Ulysses,  cunning  in  counsel,  by  the 
hand,  he  raised  him  from  the  hearth  and  set  him  on  a  shining 
throne,  removing  his  son,  Laodamas  beloved  of  men,  who  sat 
near  him,  and  loved  him  especially.  And  a  handmaiden  bring¬ 
ing  water  in  a  beautiful  golden  ewer,  to  wash  in,  poured  it 
over  a  silver  caldron  ;  and  near  him  she  spread  a  polished 
table :  and  the  venerable  housekeeper,  bringing  food,  placed 
it  near  him,  putting  upon  it  many  dainties,  gratifying  him 
out  of  the  means  present :  but  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses 
drank  and  ate.  And  then  the  mighty  Alcinous  addressed  the 
herald : 

“O  Pontonous,  having  mixed  a  cup, , distribute  wine  to  all 
®  k-u\\iov=KaX6v.  See  my  note  on  ii.  409. 


94 


■  ODYSSEY.  Vll. 


[181—214. 


throughout  the  palace,  that  we  may  make  libations  to  thunder¬ 
rejoicing  Jove,  and  who  attends  upon  venerable  suppliants.’' 

Thus  he  spoke;  and  I’ontonous  mixed  the  grateful  wine; 
and  distributed  to  all,  having  first  begun  with  the  cups.'^ 
But  when  they  had  made  libations,  and  drunk  as  much  as 
their  mind  wished,  Alcinous  harangued  and  addressed  them  : 

“  Hear  me,  ye  leaders  and  rulers  over  the  Phoeacians,  that 
I  may  speak  the  things  which  my  mind  commands  me  in  my 
breast.  Now,  indeed,  having  feasted  ye  may  go  home  and 
sleep;  but  in  the  morning  convoking  more  old  men,  we  will 
entertain  the  stranger  in  the  palace,  and  will  offer  fitting  sac¬ 
rifices  to  the  gods  :  and  afterward  we  will  be  mindful  of  his 
escort,  that  the  stranger  may  return  rejoicing  to  his  own  pa¬ 
ternal  land  without  labor  and  affliction  under  our  escort, 
(piickly,  although  lie  is  very  far  off':  nor  in  the  mean  time 
may  he  suffer  any  evil  and  calamity,  before  he  steps  upon  his 
own  land.  There  then  he  will  suffer  whatever  things  Fate 
and  the  heavy  Destinies  spun  with  the  thread  for  him  at  his 
birth,  when  his  mother  brought  him  forth.  But  if  any  one 
indeed  of  the  immortals  has  come  from  heaven,  then  tliis  is 
something  else  which  the  gods  are  contriving :  for  always 
hitherto  the  gods  appear  manifest  unto  us,  when  we*  offer  up 
illustrious  hecatombs,  and  they  feast  sitting  with  us  where  we 
are.  But  if  even  any  traveler  going  alone  has  met  them, 
they  by  no  means  conceal  themselves ;  since  we  are  close  unto 
them,  like  as  the  Cyclops^^  and  the  savage  tribes  of  Giants 
[are  like  one  another].” 

But  him  the  much-planning  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer: 
“  O  Alcinous,  let  something  else  be  a  care  in  thy  mind  ;  for 
I  am  not  like  unto  the  immortals,  who  possess  tlie  wide  heav¬ 
en,  either  in  my  person  or  my  nature,  but  unto  mortal  men, 
whomever  of  mankind  thou  knowest  especially  enduring  toil ; 
to  these  indeed  I  should  liken  myself  in  my  griefs  :  and  1  could 
relate  to  you  even  more  evils,  all  the  labors  indeed  which  I 
have  suffered  by  the  will  of  the  gods.  But  permit  me,  al- 

*  i.  e.  havinfx  first  made  the  due  libations. 

The  Scholiast  explains  the  ])assaKe  thus:  “We  resemble  the  p;ods 
in  righteousness  as  much  as  the  Cvclo])S  and  Giants  resembled  each  oth¬ 
er  in  imjuety.  But  in  this  sense  of  it  there  is  something  intricate  ami 
contrary  to  Homer’s  manner.  We  have  seen  that  they  dei  ived  them¬ 
selves  from  Neptune,  which  sufficiently  justifies  the  above  iuterj)reta- 
tioii.”  Cowpcr.  I  have  followed  the  Scholiast,  with  Loewe. 


215— 24S.J 


ODYSSEY.  VII. 


95 


tliougli  grieved,  to  take  rny  8H[)per.  For  there  is  not  any 
thing  more  shameless  at  the  time  of  a  hateful  belly, whicli 
commands  one  to  be  mindful  of  itself  by  its  necessity,  al¬ 
though  one  is  much  afflicted,  and  has  grief  in  one’s  mind. 
Thus  too  I  indeed  have  grief  in  my  mind,  but  it  always  ex¬ 
horts  me  to  eat  and  drink  ;  and  it  makes  me  forget  all  things, 
as  many  as  I  have  suffered,  and  commands  me  to  till  myself. 
Hut  do  thou  hasten,  as  soon  as  morning  appears,  that  thou 
mayest  place  me,  wretched  one,  in  mine  own  country,  al¬ 
though  I  have  suffered  many  things  ;  and  may  even  life  leave 
me  on  beholding  my  possession,  and  my  servants  and  lofty- 
roofed  large  house.*’ 

Thus  he  spoke,  but  they  all  approved  and  advised  to  con¬ 
duct  the  stranger,  since  he  had  spoken  rightly.  But  when 
they  had  made  libations,  and  drunk  as  much  as  their  mind 
wished,  they,  each  of  them,  went  home  about  to  sleep  ;  but 
divine  Ulysses  was  left  behind  in  the  palace,  and  near  him 
sat  Arete,  and  godlike  Alcinous  ;  and  the  handmaidens  took 
away  the  preparations  of  the  feast.  But  white-armed  Arete 
began  speaking  to  them,  for  she  knew  the  vail  and  the  tunic, 
when  she  beheld  the  beautiful  garments,  which  she  herself 
had  wrought  with  her  women  attendants:  and  addressing 
him,  she  spoke  winged  words : 

“  O  stranger,  I  will  myself  first  ask  thee  this,  who  art 
thou?  from  whence  art  thou  among  men?  who  gave  thee 
these  garments?  Surely  thou  dost  not  say  that  thou  earnest 
here  wandering  over  the  sea?*’ 

But  her  the  much-planning  divine  ITysses  addressed  in  an¬ 
swer  :  “  It  is  difficult,  O  queen,  to  relate  my  griefs  entirely 
through,  since  the  heavenly  gods  have  given  me  many;  but 
I  will  tell  thee  this  which  thou  askest,  and  inquirest  of  me. 
A  certain  island,  Ogygia,  lies  far  off  in  the  sea,  where  deceit¬ 
ful  Calypso,  daughter  of  Atlas,  a  fair-haired  crafty  goddess, 
dwells :  nor  with  her  does  any  one  of  gods  or  mortal  men  as¬ 
sociate  ;  but  fortune  led  me  alone,  unhappy  one,  to  her  hearth. 


The  student  must  beware  of  regarding  this  as  =  arvyfptjg  ■yatT-epog, 
It  ratlier  means  “  tem|)ore  ventris  esurientis,  i,  e.  esurienti  cuique  iiihii 
molesiius  est  (sc.  ea  ij).su). ”  Loewe.  Translate  therefore,  “There  is 
nothing  more  shameless  than  hunger,  when  the  stomach  craves  for  food.” 
Cf.  Oi)pian.  Ilal.  iii.  309,  (jjg  ovotv  Xip-oXo  KUKot-npov  ovdi  ftaptipg  Vaari- 
pog,  i)  Kpariti  piv  iv  avO^Miroioiv  tnrtjppg,  Kui  dtenrotua  crwiaTiog. 


9G 


ODYSSEY.  Vir. 


[249—288. 


M'hen  Jupiter,  having  struck  my  swift  ship  with  wliite  thunder, 
cleft  it  in  the  middle  of  the  dark  sea.  There  all  the  others 
my  excellent  companions  perished ;  but  I,  laying  hold  of  the 
keel  of  the  ship  rowed  on  both  sides,  with  my  arms,  was  borne 
along  for  nine  days  ;  but  in  the  tenth  black  night  the  gods 
made  me  approach  the  island  Ogygia,  where  Calypso,  tlie 
fair-haired  crafty  goddess,  dw^ells.  She  taking  me  loved  me 
earnestly,  and  nurtured  me,  and  said  that  she  would  render 
me  immortal,  and  free  from  old  age  all  my  days ;  but  she  did 
not  at  all  persuade  the  mind  in  my  breast.  There  I  remained 
continually  for  seven  years,  and  ever  bedewed  with  tears  the 
garments  which,  not  mortal-like.  Calypso  gave  to  me ;  but 
when  at  length  the  eighth  revolving  year  came,  then  indeed 
she  commanded  me,  inciting  me  to  return,  through  a  message 
from  Jove,  or  else  her  own  mind  was  turned;  and  she  sent 
me  on  a  raft  bound  with  many  chains ;  and  she  gave  me 
many  things,  bread  and  sweet  wine,  and  put  immortal  gar¬ 
ments  on  me:  and  she  sent  forth  a  harmless  and  gentle  wind. 
For  seventeen  clays  indeed  I  sailed,  passing  over  the  sea,  but 
on  the  eighteenth  the  shady  mountains  of  thy  land  appeared  ; 
and  the  dear  heart  of  me,  ill-fated  one,  rejoiced  ;  for  still  was 
I  about  to  be  conversant  with  much  calamity,  which  earth- 
shaking  Neptune  raised  up  against  me ;  who,  having  aroused 
the  winds  against  me,  hampered  my  journey,  and  troubled  the 
immense  sea :  nor  did  the  wave  at  all  permit  me  mourning 
ceaselessly  to  be  borne  on  the  raft :  this  then  indeed  the 
storm  scattered;  but  I  cut  through  this  gulf  swimming ;  until 
the  wind  and  the  water  carrying  me,  made  me  approach  thy 
land.  There,  as  I  was  going  out,  a  billow  forced  me  upon 
the  shore,  dashing  me  against  mighty  rocks  and  an  unpleas¬ 
ant  place ;  but  retiring  back  I  swam  again,  until  I  came  to 
the  river,  where  there  appeared  to  me  [to  be]  the  best  place, 
smooth  from  rocks ;  ami  there  was  also  a  shelter  from  the 
wind.  And  I  came  out,  collecting  my  senses  and  ambrosijii 
night  came  on  ;  but  I,  going  out  at  a  distance  away  from  the 
Jove-replenished  river,  slept  among  the  thickets  ;  and  drew 
leaves  about  me  ;  and  a  deity  poured  abundant  sleep  upon 
me.  Here  indeed  among  the  leaves  I  slept  all  night,  sor¬ 
rowing  in  my  heart,  even  until  morn,  and  mid-day,  and  the 

avvayiou  Ka'i  dvaKnofievor  Eustath.  “Gathering  strengnh, 

i-eviving,”  Thiersch,  (ik.  Gr.  p.  485. 


289—320.] 


ODYSSEY.  VII. 


97 


sun  set;’^  and  sweet  sleep  left  me.'®  And  I  perceived  the 
handmaidens  of  thy  daughter,  playing  on  the  shore;  and 
among  tliem  she  herself  was  like  unto  goddesses.  I  suppli¬ 
cated  her.  And  she  by  no  means  failed  of  an  excellent  dis¬ 
position  (so  as  thou  wouldst  not  expect  a  younger  one  meet¬ 
ing  you  would  do ;  for  the  younger  are  ever  foolish),  who 
gave  to  me  plenty  of  food  and  dark  wine,  and  washed  me 
in  the  river,  and  gave  me  these  garments.  Thus,  although 
grieving,  I  have  told  thee  the  truth.” 

But  him  Alcirious  answered  and  addressed  in  turn:  ‘*0 
guest,  certainly  my  daughter  did  not  consider  this  properly, 
because  she  by  no  means  brought  thee  to  my  house  with  her 
women  attendants  ;  thou,  however,  didst  supplicate  her  first.” 

But  him  much-planning  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer: 
“  Hero,  do  not  on  that  account  reprove  thy  spotless  daugh¬ 
ter  :  for  she  commanded  me  to  follow  with  her  women  attend¬ 
ants.  But  I  was  not  willing,  fearing  and  being  ashamed,  lest 
by  chance  thy  mind  should  be  angered  when  thou  didst  be¬ 
hold  me:  for  we  tribes  of  men  upon  the  earth  are  suspicious.” 

But  him  Alcinous  answered  and  addressed  in  turn :  “  Guest, 
I  have  not  such  a  heart  within  my  breast,  so  as  to  be  wrath 
in  vain  ;  but  all  things  that  are  proper  are  better.  Would 
that,  O  father  Jove,  and  Minerva,  and  Apollo,  being  such  an 
one  as  tliou  art,  and  thinking  the  things  which  I  do,  thou 
wouldst  have  my  daughter,  and  be  called  my  son-in-law,  re¬ 
maining  here ;  and  I  would  give  thee  both  a  house  and  pos¬ 
sessions,  if  thou  wouldst  remain  willingly;  but  no  one  of  the 
Thneacians  shall  detain  thee  against  thy  will ;  let  not  this 
be  acceptable  to  father  Jove.  But  as  to  this  I  intend  thy 
voyage  to-morrow,  that  thou  mayest  be  well  assured;  but 
until  then  thou  mayest  lie  down  overcome  with  sleep;  and 
they  will  quietly  row  thee,  until  thou  comest  to  thy  country, 
and  house,  and  if  it  is  any  where  else  agreeable  to  thee :  al- 

“  Obsen’^e  that  ^vniro  r  rjtXioc  refers  to  fvdov  Travpvxtoij,  the  inter¬ 
mediate  words  describing  the  time  during  which  he  slept.  ISee  the  fol¬ 
lowing  note. 

*  I  have  punctuated  this  passage  to  agree  with  Loewe’s  exjdanation. 
He  well  remarks,  that  although  the  sun  had  set,  yet  extreme  darkness 
might  not  have  yet  come  on,  so  that  it  was  still  necessary  for  Minerva  to 
envelop  him  in  a  shade  (cf.  vii.  14).  He  also  cautions  us  against  join¬ 
ing  the  words  Svatro  t  i)bXioq  with  the  following  ones,  as  being  repug¬ 
nant  to  vi.  1 10,  sqq. 


E 


98 


ODYSSEY.  Vll. 


[321—347. 


though  it  is  a  great  deal  farther  than  Euboea ;  for  they,  who 
of  our  people  saw  it,  when  they  conducted  auburn-haired 
Khadamanthus  to  see  Tityus,  the  son  of  Earth,  say  that  it  is 
most  distant :  and  they  arrived  from  hence,  and  accomplish¬ 
ed  it  without  labor  in  the  same  day,  and  brought  him  back 
home.  And  thou  wilt  thyself  know  how  much  ray  ships  and 
youths  are  the  best,  to  cast  up  the  sea  with  the  blade  of  the 
oar.” 

^  Thus  he  spoke ;  and  much-ehduring  divine  Ulysses  re- 
'joiced ;  and  then  praying  he  spoke  and  said  a  word,  and 
called  [on  Jove]  by  name :  “■  O  father  Jove,  may  Alcinous 
pcrfoi'in  all  the  things,  whatever  he  has  said  !  tlien  indeed 
his  glory  would  be  inextinguishable  over  the  bounteous  earth, 
and  1  should  reach  my  country.” 

Thus  they  spoke  to  one  another.  But  white-armed  Arete 
had  commanded  her  handmaidens  to  place  couches  under  tlie 
portico,  and  to  throw  upon  them  beautiful  purple  rugs,  and 
to  strew  tapestry  above,  and  to  place  woolen  cloaks  upon 
them,  to  spread  over  him.  And  they  went  from  the  palace, 
holding  a  torch  in  their  hands ;  but  wlien  they  had  strew’i 
the  tliick  bed,  hastening,^'^  they  urged  Ulysses  with  words, 
standing  near  him  :  “  Bise  to  go  to  rest,  O  stranger ;  thy  bed 
is  made.” 

Thus  they  spoke ;  and  it  appeared  to  him  delightful  to  go 
to  rest.  Thus  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  slept  there  in 
the  compact  beds,  under  the  sounding  portico.  But  Alcinous 
lay  down  in  the  recess  of  the  lofty  house ;  and  near  him  his 
wife  the  queen  prepared  a  couch  and  bed. 

Literally,  “stirring  up  the  dust,”  a  metaphor  derived  from  the 
race-course.  See  B16mfield  on  -Jisch.  S.  Th.  GO. 


1—30.1 


ODYSSEY.  Vlll. 


00 


BOOK  Y  I  1 1. 

ARGUMENT. 

An  assembly  of  the  Phseacians  is  convoked  respecting  Ulysses,  and  a 
vessel  is  prepared  for  his  departure.  Alcinous  entertains  the  Phaea- 
cian  nobles  at  his  house  ;  and  the  games  begin.  Demodocus  the  bard 
first  sings  the  amours  of  INIars  and  Venus,  and  then  the  introduction 
of  the  wooden  horse  into  Troy.  Ulysses  is  affected  by  his  song,  and 
Alcinous,  perceiving  it,  asks  who  he  is,  from  whence  he  is  come,  and 
what  is  the  occasion  of  his  sorrow. 

But  when  the  mother  of  dawn,  rosy-fingered  morning,  ap¬ 
peared,  the  sacred^  might  of  Alcinous  rose  from  his  bed,  and 
noble  Ulysses,  the  sacker  of  fcities,  rose  also.  And  the  sacred 
might  of  Alcinous  led  them  to  the  assembly  of  the  Phasacians, 
which  was  prepared  for  them  near  the  ships.  And  having 
come,  they  sat  down  on  the  polished  stones  near  [each  other]  ; 
b'lt  Pallas  iMinerva  went  through  the  city,  likened  unto  the  her¬ 
ald  of  prudent  Alcinous,  planning  a  return  for  strong-hearted 
Ulysses.  And  standing  near  each  man  she  addressed  them  : 

“  Hither  come,  ye  leaders  and  chiefs  of  the  Pha^acians,  to 
go  to  the  assembly,  that  ye  may  hear  of  the  stranger,  who 
lately  came  to  the  house  of  prudent  Alcinous,  having  wan¬ 
dered  over  the  sea,  in  person  like  unto  the  immortals.’’ 

Thus  having  spoken,  she  incited  the  might  and  mind  of 
each.  And  tlie  forums  and  seats  were  quickly  filled  with 
men  assembling  together;  for  many'  admired  the  prudent  son 
of  Laertes,  as  they  beheld  him,  and  Mine:  va  shed  divine  grace 
over  his  head  and  shoulders  ;  and  she  made  him  taller  and 
greater  to  behold,  that  to  all  the  Phneacians  he  miglit  be  dear 
and  awful  and  venerable,  and  might  perform  many  contests, 
at  which  the  J^hasacians  tried  Ulysses.  But  when  they'^  were 
collected  and  assembled  together,  Alcinous  harangued  and  ad¬ 
dressed  them : 

“  Hear,  ye  leaders  and  r  ders  over  the  Phnsacians,  while  I 
speak  what  my  mind  commands  me  in  my  breast.  This 
stranger,  I  know  not  who  [he  is],  has  come  wandering  unto 
my  house,  whether  from  eastern  or  western  men;  but  he  in- 

^  Ernesti  observes  that  this  e])itliet  is  applied  to  Alcinous,  as  a  kiug, 
Uko  “  sanctitas”  in  Latin.  Cf.  Sueton.  Cais.  G. 


100 


ODYSSEY.  VIII. 


[30— G6. 


cites  us  [to  grant  him]  an  escort,  and  prays  for  it  to  be  safe. 
But  let  us,  as  hitherto,  make  ready  the  escort.  For  no  other 
person  who  comes  to  my  house,  I'emains  here  a  long  time  la¬ 
menting  on  account  of  an  escort.^  But  come,  we  will  draw  a 
black  ship  for  its  first  voyage^  into  the  divine  sea;  and  let 
two  and  fifty  youths^  be  chosen  among  the  pfc.,ple  as  many  as 
hitherto  have  been  the  best.  And  do  ye  all,  having  bouiui 
the  oars  well  to  the  benches,  come  out :  but  afterwai'd,  coming 
to  my  house,  make  ready  a  hasty  feast ;  and  I  will  sujjply  it 
well  for  all.  These  things  1  enjoin  the  youths  ;  but  do  ye  the 
rest,  sceptre-bearing  princes,  come  to  my  fair  dwellings,  that 
we  may  entertain  the  stranger  kindly  in  our  palace,  nor  let 
any  one  refuse ;  and  call  the  divine  bard  Demodocus,  for  to 
him  tlie  deity  has  granted  song  exceedingly,  to  delight  in  what¬ 
ever  his  mind  incites  him  to  sing.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  led  the  way;  and  the  sceptre- 
bearers  followed  with  him ;  but  the  lierald  went  for  the 
divine  bard.  And  two  and  fifty  youths,  being  chosen,  went, 
as  he  commanded,  to  the  shore  of  the  barren  sea.  But  when, 
indeed,  they  came  to  the  ship  and  to  the  sea,  they  drew  the 
black  ship  into  the  deep  of  the  sea,  and  they  placed  a  mast 
and  sails  in  the  black  ship;  and  they  fitted  the  oars  in  the 
leather  loops,  all  rightly,  and  they  spread  out  the  white  sails; 
and  they  moored  her  high  out  upon  the  sea  ;  but  afterward  they 
hastened  to  the  great  house  of  the  prudent  Alcinous.  And  the 
porches  and  the  inclosures  and  houses  were  filled  with  men 
[collected  together ;  and  there  were  many  young  and  old 
men].  And  Alcinous  sacrificed  twelve  sheep  for  them,  and 
eight  swine  with  white  tusks,  and  two  curve-footed  oxen  ;  these 
they  skinned  and  managed,  and  made  ready  a  delightful  feast. 
And  the  herald  came  near,  leading  the  harmonious  bard,  whom 
the  Muse  loved  exceedingly;  but  she  gave  him  both  good  and 
evil ;  she  deprived  him  indeed  of  his  eyes,  but  gave  him  sweet 
song.^  For  him  Fontonous  placed  a  silver-studded  throne  in 

i.  c.  “  through  wanting  one.” 

^  ^  Nut  only  nearly  built,  but  also  i)  TTpiort]  Kara  to  TrXteiv — vavapxk- 
Eiistath. 

*  Observe  that  Kovpu)  is  made  to  agree  with  the  dual  not  witli 
TTivTliKovra,  the  plural.  Cf.  vii.  48  and  ol,  with  the  note  of  Eusta¬ 
thius. 

^  dlie  blindness  of  bards  is  almost  proverbial.  See  some  quaint  and 


G6— 97.J 


ODYSSEY.  VIII. 


101 


the  middle  of  the  guests,  leaning  it  against  a  tall  pillar:  and 
from  a  peg  the  herald  had  hung  the  clear-toned  harp  over 
liis  head,  and  taught  him  how  to  take  it  with  his  hands  :  and 
near  him  he  placed  a  basket,  and  a  beautiful  table,  and, near 
him  a  cup  of  wine  to  drink,  when  his  mind  should  incite  him  ; 
they  then  stretched  forth  their  hands  to  the  food  lying  ready 
before  them. 

But  when  they  had  taken  away  the  desire  of  drinking  and 
eating,  the  Muse  encouraged  the  bard  to  sing  the  glories  of 
men,  a  song  of  which  the  fame  then  reached  the  wide  heaven  ^ 
the  strife  of  Ulysses  and  Achilles,  son  of  Beleus,  how  they 
formerly  contended  with  vehement  w'ords  in  a  splendid  ban¬ 
quet  of  the  gods;  but  Agamemnon,  king  of  men,  rejoiced  in 
Ids  mind,  when  the  chiefs  of  the  Grecians  contended ;  for  so 
Blujchus  Apollo,  giving  an  oracle,  told  him  in  divine  Pylos, 
when  he  passed  over  the  stone  threshold  to  consult  the  ora¬ 
cle  :  for  then  the  beginning  of  harm  rolled  on  to  the  Trojans 
and  the  Grecians,  through  the  will  of  ndghty  Jove. 

These  things  the  illustrious  bard  sang ;  but  Ulysses,  tak¬ 
ing  a  large  purple  vail  in  his  sturdy  hands,  drew  it  over  his 
head,  and  covered  his  beauteous  face  ;  for  he  was  ashamed  be¬ 
fore  the  Phaeacians,  shedding  tears  from  under  his  eyebrows. 
But  when  the  divine  bard  had  ceased  singing,  having  wiped 
away  the  tears,  he  took  the  vail  from  his  head,  and  taking  a 
round  cup,®  he  made  libations  to  the  gods:  but  when  he"  be¬ 
gan*  again,  and  the  chiefs  of  the  Phaeacians  incited  him  to 
sing,  since  they  were  delighted  with  his  verses,  Ulysses  again, 
covering  his  head,  mourned.  Then  indeed  he  escaped  the 
notice  of  all  the  others,  shedding  tears,  but  Alcinous  alone, 
sitting  near  him,  marked  and  perceived  him  ;  for  he  heard 
him  mourning  heavily;  he  immediately  therefore  addressed 
the  oar-loving  Phmacians : 

“Hear,  ye  leaders  and  rulers  over  the  Phseacians,  we  arc 

nmusing  illustrations  in  Duport,  Gnoniol.  Iloin.  p.  184.  So  Milton, 
I^ar.  Lost,  iii.  32  : 

“Nor  sometimes  forj^et 
Those  otlier  two,  equal’d  with  me  in  fate, 

So  were  I  equat’d  witli  them  in  renown, 

Blind  Tliamyris  and  l)lind  Mseonides, 

And  Tiresias  and  IMiineus,  ])ropliets  old.” 

*  But  on  ilie  an<piKV7n\\ov,  see  my  note  on  iii.  G3. 

’  The  bard. 


102 


ODYSSEY.  VIII. 


[98— 13G. 


now  satisfied  in  our  mind  with  tlie  equal  banquet,  and  the 
harp,  which  is  suited  to  the  abundant  feast;  but  now  let  us 
go  out,  and  try  all  the  contests  ;  that  also  the  stranger,  re¬ 
turning  home,  may  tell  his  friends  how  much  we  excel  oth¬ 
ers  in  pugilism,  wrestling,  and  leaping,  and  in  the  race.” 

Thus  having  spoken  he  led  the  way,  and  they  followed  to¬ 
gether  ;  and  from  the  peg  he  hung  the  clear-toned  harp :  and 
the  herald  took  the  hand  of  Demodocus,  and  led  him  out  of 
the  palace ;  and  he  went  before  him  the  same  way  which  the 
others,  the  chiefs  of  the  Phmacians,  had  gone,  to  behold  the 
contests.  But  they  went  to  the  forum,  and  a  great  crowd 
followed  together,  myriads.  And  there  stood  up  many  and  ex¬ 
cellent  youths.  There  arose  indeed  Acroneus,  and  Ocyalus, 
and  Elatreus,  and  Nauteus,  and  Prymneus,  and  Anchialus,  and 
Eretmeus,  and  Ponteus,  and  Proreus,  (and)  Thoon,  and  Ana- 
bosineus,  and  Amphialus,  son  of  Polyneus,  son  of  Tecton  ;  and 
there  also  rose  up  Euryalus,  equal  to  manslaughtering  Mars, 
and  Naubolides,  who  was  the  most  excellent  of  all  the  Pha3a- 
cians  in  form  and  person,  after  the  blameless  Laodamas ;  and 
there  arose  the  three  blameless  sons  of  Alcinous,  Laodamas, 
and  Halius,  and  divine  Clvtoneus.  Some  then  indeed  first 
made  trial  in  the  race ;  and  a  course  was  extended  for  them 
from  the  goal,  and  they  all  flew  swiftly  together,  raising  the 
dust  along  the  plain.  Of  them  the  blameless  Clytoneus  was 
the  best  in  running;  and  as  far  as  is  the  distance  between  mules 
[and  oxen]  in  fallow  land,®  so  far  running  on  before,  he  came 
up  to  the  people,  but  the  others  were  left  behind.  But  others 
made  trial  of  laborious  wrestling;  in  this  Euryalus  excelled  all 
the  chiefs  ;  but  in  leaping  Amphialus  was  the  best  of  all.  But 
on  the  other  hand  Elatreus  w  as  the  most  excellent  of  all  Avith 
the  quoit ;  and  again  Laodamas,  the  doughty  son  of  Alcinous, 
in  pugilism.  But  Avhen  all  were  delighted  iu  their  mind  with 
the  contests,  Laodamas,  son  of  Alcinous,  addressed  them: 

“  Come,  my  friends,  let  us  ask  the  stranger  if  he  knows 
and  has  learned  any  contest.  Indeed  he  is  not  mean  as  to 
I)is  nature,  his  thighs,  and  legs,  and  both  his  hands  aboA^e,  and 
his  stout  neck  and  mighty  strength  ;  nor  is  he  Avanting  at  all  in 

•*  Literally,  “as  far  as  is  the  distance  of  mules  in  fallowTand.’’  Cly¬ 
toneus  v.'as  as  far  in  advance  of  his  competitors,  as  there  is  left  sj)aco 
between  mules  and  oxen,  when  they  are  yoked  together  to  plow  a  fal¬ 
low  land.  Eustath.  Cf.  11.  x.  352.  Lo2wc. 


137—176.] 


ODYSSEY.  VIII. 


103 


youth,  but  he  is  broken  down  by  many  ills.  For  I  do  not 
think  that  there  is  any  thing  else  worse  tlian  the  sea  to  weak¬ 
en  a  man,  even  though  he  be  very  strong.” 

Euryalus  answered  and  addressed  him  in  turn  :  “  O  Laoda- 
mas,  thou  hast  spoken  this  word  very  rightly ;  do  thou  now 
go  and  challenge  him,  and  speak  to  him  a  word.”  But  when 
the  excellent  son  of  Alcinous  heard  this,  he  then  stood,  going 
in  the  middle,  and  addressed  Ulysses :  ‘‘  Do  thou  also  come 
hither,  O  father  stranger,  and  make  trial  of  the  contests,  if 
thou  hast  by  chance  learned  any:  and  it  is  likely  that  thou 
art  acquainted  with  contests.  For  there  is  not  any  greater  re¬ 
nown  for  a  man,  while  he  exists,  than  what  he  shall  have  done 
with  his  feet  and  his  hands.  But  come,  make  trial,  and  dis¬ 
perse  cares  from  thy  mind :  for  thy  voyage  will  not  long  be 
delayed;  but  the  ship  has  just  now  been  drawn  out,  and  com¬ 
panions  are  ready.” 

Much-planning  Ulysses  answering  addressed  him  :  ‘‘  O  La- 
odamas,  why  do  ye  command  these  things,  cutting  me  to  the 
heart  ?  griefs  are  even  more  in  my  mind  than  contests,  I  who 
before  indeed  suffered  very  many  things,  and  have  endured 
many  labors :  but  now  I  sit  in  j^^our  assembly  desiring  a  re¬ 
turn,  entreating  the  king  and  all  the  people.” 

But  him  Euryalus  answered  in  turn,  and  chided  openly: 
“  I  by  no  means  liken  thee,  O  stranger,  to  a  man  skilled  in 
contests,  such  as  there  are  many  among  men.  But  [I  liken 
thee]  to  him,  who  constantly  being  in  a  many-benched  ship, 
[is]  a  ruler  of  sailors,  who  are  also  merchants,  and  is  mindful 
r)f  his  freight,  and  a  superintendent  of  provisions,  and  rapa¬ 
cious  profits ;  nor  art  thou  at  all  like  unto  a  wrestler.” 

But  him  much-planning  Ulysses,  looking  sternly,  address¬ 
ed :  “  O  stranger,  thou  hast  not  spoken  well ;  you  are  like 
unto  an  injurious  man  :  thus  the  gods  do  not  bestow  graceful 
accomplishments  on  all  men,  neither  nature,  nor  mind,  nor 
eloquence;  for  one  man  in  appearance  is  weaker,  but  God 
adorns  his  form  with  words,  and  others  look  upon  him  with 
delight.  But  he  discourses  safely  with  mild  modesty,  and 
excels  among  those  who  are  assembled  together:  and  they 
look  upon  him,  when  coming  through  the  city,  as  upon  a  god. 
Another  again  is  like  unto  the  immortals  in  his  form,  but  grace 
does  not  crown  his  words. So  also  thy  form  is  handsome,. 

®  Litcnillv,  ‘‘grace  is  not  set  as  a  crown  around  his  words.” 


104 


ODYSSEY.  VIII. 


[177—209. 


nor  wonlcl  a  god  fashion  it  otherwise;  but  thou  art  foolish  in 
thine  understanding:  thou  hast  provoked  my  mind  in  my 
breast,  having  spoken  not  according  to  propriety  ;  but  I  am 
not  unskilled  in  contests,  as  thou,  forsooth,  dost  say,  but  I 
think  that  I  was  among  the  first,  when  I  trusted  in  my  youth, 
and  in  my  hands.  But  now  1  am  held  fast  by  calamity  and 
griefs  ;  for  I  have  endured  many  things,  both  wars  among  men, 
and  passing  over  the  grievous  waves  ;  but  even  thus,  although 
having  suffered  many  evils,  I  will  make  trial  of  the  contests, 
for  thy  language  is  galling  to  the  mind;’°  and  thou  hast  pro¬ 
voked  me  by  thy  words.” 

He  spoke,  and  rushing  with  his  garment  as  it  was,^^  he 
seized  a  very  large  and  thick  quoit,  no  little  firmer,  than  with 
what  the  Phasacians  played  at  quoits  with  one  another.  Whirl¬ 
ing  this  round,  he  hurled  it  from  his  strong  hand  ;  but  tlie 
stone  whizzed ;  and  the  Phaeacians,  who  use  long  oars,  sea- 
famous  men,  crouched  down  upon  the  earth  from  the  throw 
of  the  stone  ;  but  it  flew  over  all  the  marks,  rushing  easily 
from  his  hand ;  for  Minerva,  likened  in  person  unto  a  man, 
had  set  the  boundaries,  and  spoke  and  said : 

“  Even  a  blind  man,  O  sti  anger,  groping  about,  would  dis¬ 
tinguish  the  mark  ;  since  it  is  by  no  means  mingled  with  the 
multitude,  but  is  far  the  foremost;  but  do  thou  be  confident, 
at  least  as  to  this  contest ;  no  one  of  the  Phieacians  shall 
reach  this,  nor  pass  beyond  it.” 

Thus  she  spoke;  but  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  was 
glad,  rejoicing,  because  he  perceived  a  kind  friend  in  the  ring, 
and  then  he  addressed  the  Phaeacians  more  lightly:  “Reach 
this  now,  O  youths  ;  but  I  think  that  1  will  soon  send  another 
as  large,  or  even  larger.  Of  the  others,  whomsoever^^  pjg  heart 
and  mind  exhorts,  let  him  come  hither  and  make  trial  (since 
ye  have  in-itated  me  very  much)  either  in  pugilism,  or  in  wrest¬ 
ling,  or  even  in  the  race,  I  grudge  not  at  all,  of  all  the  IMiiea- 
cians,  [1  say,]  except  Laodamas  himself :  for  he  is  my  host ;  and 
Avho  would  contend  with  one  who  receives  him  ?  That  man  in- 

Tasso,  Gier.  canto  x.  st.  10: 

“Ne  il  niordacc  parlar’  indarno  e  tale 
Perclie  della  virtu  cote  e  lo  sdegno.” 

“  i.  e.  without  stripping,  after  the  manner  of  combatants.  Schol.  avu 
T((j  \i.iaT’ui)  wf  tlxti'- 

Observe  the  poetic  form  onva  for  ovriva.  Cf.  Thiersch,  Gk.  Gr  ^ 
20G,  2G. 


210—245.] 


ODYSSEY.  VIII. 


105 


deed  is  foolish  and  worth  notliing,  wliocvcr  proposes  a  strife  in 
contests  witli  his  host,  among  a  tbreign  })eople  ;  and  he  makes 
all  his  own  affairs  worse :  but  of  the  othei-s  I  refuse  not  nor 
despise  any  one,  but  I  wish  to  know  and  to  make  trial  openly  ; 
for  I  am  not  insignificant  in  all  things,  as  many  contests  as 
there  are  among  men.  For  1  know  well  how  to  handle  the 
well-polished  bow  ;  I  could  hit  a  man  the  first,  darting  arrows 
in  a  crowd  of  hostile  men  ;  even  though  very  many  com- 
})anions  should  stand  near,  and  should  direct  their  bows  against 
the  men.  Philoctetes  indeed  alone  excelled  me  with  the  bow, 
among  the  people  of  the  Trojans,  where  we  Greeks  used  our 
bows.  But  of  the  others  1  say  that  I  am  far  the  best,  as 
many  as  are  now  mortals  eating  food  upon  the  earth.  But 
I  am  not  willing  to  contend  with  former  men,  neither  with 
Hercules,  nor  Kurytus  the  CEchalian,  who  contended  even 
with  the  immortals  about  bows :  therefore  mighty  Eurytus 
died  immediately,  nor  did  he  attain  to  old  age  in  his  palace ; 
for  Apollo,  wrath  with  him,  slew  him,  because  he  challenged 
him  to  a  contest  of  archery.  And  I  dart  with  a  spear,  as 
far  as  no  one  else  would  with  an  arrow.  I  fear  for  my  feet 
alone,  lest  any  one  of  the  Phasacians  should  pass  me  ;  for  I 
have  been  very  greatly  beaten  down  in  many  waves :  since 
there  was  no  continual  provision^^  for  one’s  self  in  a  ship: 
therefore  my  limbs  are  relaxed.” 

Thus  he  spoke,  but  they  all  were  speechless  in  silence  :  and 
Alcinous  alone  answering  addressed  him  :  “  O  stranger,  since 
thou  dost  not  speak  these  things  unpleasant  to  us,  but  dost 
wish  to  show  thy  prowess,  which  accompanies  thee,  being 
angry,  because  this  man  standing  in  the  contest  has  chided 
thee ;  in  order  that  no  mortal  may  blame  thy  prowess,  who¬ 
ever  in  his  mind  knows  how  to  speak  fitting  things ;  come 
now,  understand  my  w'ord,  that  thou  mayest  relate  to  another 
also  of  the  heroes,  when  thou  dost  feast  in  thy  palace,  near 
thy  wdfe  and  thy  children,  mindful  of  our  excellence,  what 
w'orks  Jove  enjoins  upon  us  throughout,  even  from  our  an- 

From  the  passage  at  vs.  452,  tTreiSi)  XItts  doj/^a  KaXvxpovg  ri'uKafioio’ 
T6(ppa  ce  oi  Kopidt)  yt,  9t(p  epire^og  ptv,  refeFiing  to  v.  204,  sqq.  I 
think  there  is  no  doubt  that  food,  sustenance,  is  meant,  especially  if  we 
romeml)er  Homer’s  ideas  on  the  weakness  produced  by  hunger,  as  im¬ 
plied  in  the  words  yvla  XsXvvrai.  Cf.  II.  xix.  yvia  jSapvvtTai,  k.  t.  X.^ 
and  Dui)ort,  Gnom.  Horn.  j).  lOG,  sq(j. 

E  2 


106 


ODYSSEY.  VIII. 


[246—283. 


cestors.  For  we  are  not  faultless  pugilists,  nor  wrestlers,  but 
we  run  swiftly  with  our  feet,  and  are  the  best  in  [nianagingj 
ships :  and  ever  dear  to  us  [is]  the  banquet,  and  the  harp  and 
dances,  and  changing  of  garments,  and  warm  baths,  and  beds. 
But  come,  ye  dancers  of  the  Phseacians,  as  many  of  you  as 
are  the  best,  play ;  that  the  stranger  returning  home  may  re¬ 
late  to  his  friends  how  much  we  excel  others  in  sailing,  and 
in  the  race,  and  in  the  dance,  and  in  the  song.  But  let  some 
one  go  immediately,  and  bring  the  clear-toned  harp  for  De- 
modocus,  which  lies  somewhere  in  our  house.” 

Thus  spoke  godlike  Alcinous ;  but  the  herald  rose  to  bring 
the  sweet  harp  from  the  house  of  the  king.  And  all  the  nine 
public  cho.sen  umpires^'^  rose  up,  who  managed  every  thing 
well  in  the  contests :  and  they  made  the  floor  smooth,  and 
widened  the  beautiful  ring.  And  the  herald  came  near,  bring¬ 
ing  the  clear-toned  harp  to  Demodocus  ;  and  he  then  went 
into  the  middle;  and  around  him  there  stood  youths  in  the 
prime  of  life,  skilled  in  the  dance :  and  they  struck  the  divine 
floor’^  with  their  feet :  but  Ulysses  regarded  the  twinklings^^ 
of  their  feet,  and  marveled  in  his  mind. 

But  he  playing  on  the  harp  struck  up^"  to  sing  beautifully, 
about  the  love  of  Mars  and  beautifully-crowned  Venus,  how 
they  at  first  had  intercourse  stealthily  in  the  house  of  Vulcan  : 
for  he  gave  her  many  things,  and  disgraced  the  couch  and 
bed  of  king  Vulcan;  but  to  him  there  immediately  came  as  a 
messenger  the  Sun,  wdio  perceived  them  mixed  in  love.  But 
Vulcan,  when  he  heard  the  heart-paining  tale,  hastened  to  his 
smithy,  deeply  planning  evils  in  his  mind  :  he  placed  a  mighty 
anvil  on  the  stock,  and  forged  chains  not  to  be  broken  or  loosed, 
that  they  might  remain  there  fixed.  But  after  he  had  contrived 
the  stratagem,  enraged  with  IMars,  he  hastened  to  the  chamber, 
where  his  dear  bed  lay.  And  then  around  the  bed-posts  he 
puts  chains  in  a  circle  on  every  side ;  and  many  w'ere  fitted 
above  from  the  ceiling,  as  slender  cobwebs,  which  no  one 
could  see,  even  of  the  blessed  gods ;  for  they  w'ere  made  ex¬ 
ceedingly  cunning.  But  when  he  had  spread  all  .  the  snare 
around  the  bed,  he  pretended  that  he  would  go  to  Lemnos,  a 

The  teim  alcrviivtjnjg  was  originally  apjjlicd  to  the  governors  of  the 
Cuinaians,  and  lienee  to  rnlej's  in  general. 

The  primary  meaning  of  xopog  is  “a  jilace  for  dancing.” 

Jficationes,  quick,  rai)id  movements.  Sec  on  i.  155. 


284— 318.  J 


ODYSSEY.  VJII. 


107 


A^ell-buiit  city,  wliicli  to  him  is  by  far  the  dearest  of  all 
lands. Nor  did  golden-bridled  Mars  keep  a  blind  look-out, 
'ivhen  he  beheld  Vulcan,  illustrious  for  his  art,  going  to  a  dis- 
fance;  he  hastened  to  the  house  of  illustrious  Vulcan,  desir¬ 
ous  of  the  love  of  beauteous-crowned  Venus.  But  she  havino; 
lately  come  from  her  father,  the  powerful  son  of  Saturn,  sat 
down :  but  he  went  within  the  house,  and  laid  hold  of  her  by 
the  hand,  and  spoke  and  addressed  her : 

“  Come,  dear  one,  let  us  twain  turn  to  bed  to  lie  down ; 
for  Vulcan  is  not  at  home,  but  is  now  gone  somewhere  to 
Lemnos,  to  the  barbarous  Sintians.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  and  to  her  it  seemed  delightful  to  go  to 
bed.  They  twain  mounting  the  couch  laid  down  to  rest ;  but 
tlie  artful  chains  of  ingenious  Vulcan  were  spread  around 
them,  nor  could  they  by  any  means  move  tlieir  limbs,  nor  rise 
up.  And  then  indeed  they  knew  that  there  were  no  longer 
means  of  escape.  But  illustrious  Vulcan  came  near  them, 
retumiim  ajirain  before  he  reached  the  land  of  Lemnos  :  for 
the  Sun  kept  a  look-out  for  him,  and  told  him  the  affair: 
[and  he  hastened  home,  sorrowing  in  his  dear  heart  and  he 
stood  in  the  vestibule  ;  and  fierce  anger  possessed  liiin,  and 
he  shouted  terribly,  and  called  aloud  to  all  the  gods. 

“  O  father  Jove,  and  ye  other  blessed  gods  who  exist  ever, 
come,  that  ye  may  behold  deeds  not  to  be  laughed  at  nor  en¬ 
dured  ;  how  Venus,  the  daughter  of  Jove,  always  dishonors 
me  who  am  lame,  and  loves  all-destructive  Mars ;  because  he 
is  handsome  and  sound-footed,  but  I  am  become  weak ;  but 
tliere  is  no  one  to  blame  for  me,  but  my  two  parents,  who 
ought  not  to  have  produced  me.  But  see  where  they  sleep 
together  in  love,  having  ascended  my  bed ;  but  I  am  grieved 
at  beholding  them.  I  do  not  indeed  expect  that  tliey  will 
any  more,  even  a  little  while,  lie  so,  although  loving  each 
other  very  much :  perhaps  they  will  not  both  wish  to  sleep : 
but  a  snare  and  chain  shall  detain  them,  until  her  father  shall 

Tlie  student  will  doubtless  remember  that  each  deity  bad  a  favorite 
])lace  of  abode  arid  worshij).  Thus  Venus  possessed  Paphos  (infi'a,  3G3), 
Juno  Samos,  Arj^os,  and  Cai'tbage  (Virg.  ACn.  i,  19;  Ovid,  Met.  viii. 
220;  Apud.  Met.  vi.  p  458;  Eustatb.  on  Dion.  Pierieg.  530),  ACseula- 
pius  Ej)idaurus,  cte.  The  i-eason  of  Vulean’s  preference  is  explained  by 
Eustathius  thus,  fttt  tovq  Uti  KparTipa^  tov  Trcpufj  kuI  on  (cai  TruXtii;  duo 
Tnpi  avrijv,  lov  pla  <c<u  })  H^atorta. 


108 


ODYSSEY.  YIII. 


[319—351. 


repay  all  the  dowries,  whatever  I  gave  him,  for  the  impudent 
damsel,  because  his  daughter  is  liiir,  but  not  chaste.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  and  the  gods  were  assembled  at  the  brazen 
house  :  earth-shaking  Neptune  came,  all  beneticent^^  Mercury 
came,  and  the  far-darting  king  Apollo  came :  but  the  female 
deities  each  remained  at  home  through  sliame.  And  the 
gods,  bestowers  of  good  things,^®  stood  in  the  vestibule ;  and 
there  arose  an  inextinguishable  laughter  among  the  blessed 
gods,  when  they  saw  the  arts  of  ingenious  Vulcan.  Tut 
thus  some  one-^^  said,  looking  to  another  who  was  near: 
“  Evil  works  do  not  succeed :  the  slow  overtakes  the  quick : 
as  now  Vulcan,  although  slow,  has  caught  Mars,  the  swiftest 
of  the  gods  who  possess  Olympus,  he  being  lame,  [has  caught 
him]  by  his  art ;  wherefore  he  owns  a  tine  for  being  detected 
in  adultery.” 

Thus  they  spoke  such  things  to  one  another ;  and  king 
Apollo,  the  son  of  Jove,  addressed  Mercury:  “O  Mercury, 
son  of  Jove,  messenger,  giver  of  good  things,  w'ouldst  thou 
be  willing,  pressed  in  strong  chains,  to  sleep  in  the  bed  near 
golden  Venus?” 

l>iit  him  the  messenger,  the  slayer  of  Argus,  immediately 
addressed.  “I  wish  this  might  happen,  O  king,  far-darting 
Apollo,  (and)  might  thrice  so  many  immense  chains  surround 
me,  and  ye  gods  behold,  and  all  the  goddesses,  yet  1  would 
sleep  near  golden  Venus.” 

Thus  he  spoke,  and  laughter  arose  among  the  immortal 
gods.  But  laughter  did  not  possess  Neptune ;  but  he  constant¬ 
ly  entreated  the  illustrious  artificer  Vulcan,  that  he  would 
loose  Mars  :  and  addressing  him,  spoke  winged  words  :  “  Loose 
him  ;  and  I  pi'omise  that  he  shall  pay,  as  thou  commandest, 
all  the  things  that  are  proper  among  the  immortal  gods.” 

But  him  illustrious  Vulcan  addressed  in  turn:  “  Do  not,  0 
earth-shaking  Neptune,  command  me  these  things.  Wretch¬ 
ed  indeed  are  the  sureties  to  be  received  for  the  bad.^^  How 

tpioinniQ,  tpi  ovr]<yaQ  tovq  avdptbTTovg,  ptyaXwiptXrjg,  TroXvw^kXtjg. 

Sehol.  Cf.  Alberti  on  Hcsvch.  t.  i.  1432. 

¥ 

On  tliis  sentiment  respecting  the  hesivenly  bestowal  of  “every  good 
gift,”  see  Duport,  Gnoin.  lioin.  p.  190,  and  Earth,  on  Gratius,  Cyneg.  1. 

Tig  =  one  to  another. 

^  I  follow  Loewe,  understanding  ^(iXat  p  u^crrt  iyyvaaOai,  in  the  sense 
of  Xap-jiavtiv  tyyvag,  as  Eustathius  rightly  says. 


3.)2— 391.] 


ODYSSEY.  Vm. 


109 


could  I  oblige  you,  among  the  immortal  gods,  if  Mars  should 
go  away,  having  escaped  the  debt  and  the  chain  V’ 

But  him  Earth-shaking  Neptune  addressed  in  turn :  “  O 
Vulcan,  even  t^jough  Mars,  escaping  from  the  debt,  should  go 
away  flying,  I  myself  will  pay  thee  these  things.” 

But  him  illustrious  V'^ulcan  immediately  answered:  “It  is 
not  possible,  nor  is  it  meet  to  reject  thy  word.” 

Thus  speaking,  the  might  of  Vulcan  loosed  the  chain. 
When  they  were  loosed  from  the  chain,  although  it  was 
strong,  both  rushing  forth  immediately,  he  (Mars)  went  to 
Thrace,  but  she,  the  laughter-loving  Venus,  came  to  Cyprus, 
to  Paphos,  where  is  her  grove  and  incensed  altar :  here  the 
Graces  washed  her,  and  anointed  her  with  immortal  oil,  such 
as  glosses  over  the  gods  who  exist  forever :  and  they  put  beau¬ 
tiful  garments  around  her,  a  marvel  to  behold. 

Tliese  things  the  illustrious  bard  sang ;  and  Ulysses  was 
delighted  in  liis  mind  as  he  heard  it,  and  also  the  other  Phas- 
acians  who  use  long  oars,  illustrious  sailors.  But  Alcinous 
com-manded  Halius  and  J.iaodamas  to  dance  alone,  since  no 
one  rivaled  them.  When  then  they  had  taken  the  beautiful 
purple  ball  in  their  hands,  which  skillful  Polybus  made  for 
them,  one  of  them,  bent  backward,  tlirew  it  toward  the  shad¬ 
owy  clouds  ;  and  the  other,  having  raised  himself  on  high  from 
the  earth,  easily  laid  hold  of  it,  before  he  reached  the  ground 
with  his  feet.  But  when  they  had  made  trial  with  the  ball 
straight  upward,  tliey  afterward  danced  on  the  fi’uitful  earth, 
frequently  throwing  it  from  one  to  another,  and  the  other 
youths  applauded,  standing  in  the  ring ;  and  a  great  noise  arose 
under  [tlieir  feet].  Then  divine  Ulysses  addressed  Alcinous : 

“  O  king  Alcinous,  most  illustrious  of  all  the  people,  you 
certainly  engaged-^  that  you  were  the  best  dancers,  and  cer¬ 
tainly  these  things  liave  been  accomplished ;  astonishment 
possesses  me  as  I  behold.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  and  the  sacred  might  of  Alcinous  re¬ 
joiced  ;  and  he  immediately  addi’essed  the  oar-loving  Pluca- 
cians :  “  Listen,  ye  leaders  and  rulers  over  the  Phaiacians, 
the  stranger  seems  to  me  to  be  very  prudent.  But  come,  let 
us  give  him  a  present  of  hospitality,  as  is  just ;  for  twelve  ex¬ 
cellent  princes  rule,  chieftains  among  the  peo]de,  and  I  myself 

®  Literally,  “threatened,”  which  wo  sometimes  say  in  English,  with 
a  jocular  meaning. 


no 


ODYSSEY.  VIII. 


r39 1—130 


am  the  thirteentli ;  of  whom  do  each  of  you  bring  a  well- 
washed  vail,  and  a  tunic,  and  a  talent  of  precious  gold.  And 
let  us  all  together  immediately  bring  them,  that  the  stranger, 
having  them  in  his  hands,  may  go  to  supper  rejoicing  in  his 
mind :  but  let  Euryalus  appease  him  with  words  and  a  pres¬ 
ent  ;  since  he  did  not  speak  rightly.” 

Thus  he  spoke;  but  they  all  praised,  and  ordered  it;  and 
each  of  them  dispatched  a  herald  to  fetch  the  gifts ;  but  him 
Euryalus  answered,  and  addressed  in  turn : 

“  0  king  Alcinous,  most  illustrious  of  all  the  people,  there¬ 
fore  I  will  appease  the  stranger,  as  thou  commandest;  I  will 
give  him  this  all-brazen  sword,  whose  hilt  is  silver,  and  a 
scabbard  of  newly-sawn  ivory  is  set  around  it ;  and  it  will  be 
worth  much  to  him.” 

Thus  saying,  he  placed  the  silver-studded  sword  in  his 
hands,  and  speaking  winged  words,  addressed  him  : 

“  Hail,  O  father  stranger ;  and  if  any  grievous  word  has 
been  uttered,  may  the  storms,  having  snatched  it  up  immedi¬ 
ately,  carry  it  away ;  but  to  thee  may  the  gods  grant  both  to 
behold  thy  wife,  and  to  reach  thy  country  ;  since  thou  art  suf¬ 
fering  misfortunes  a  long  time  away  from  friends.” 

But  him  much-plann’ng  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer: 
‘‘Much  hail  thou  also,  friend,  and  may  the  gods  give  thee 
happiness  ;  nor  mayest  thou  hereafter  at  all  have  regi-et  for 
this  sword,  which  thou  hast  given  me,  appeasing  me  with 
words.” 

He  spoke,  and  girt  about  his  shoulders  the  silver-studded 
sword;  and  the  sun  set,  and  the  famous  gifts  were  present 
for  him.  And  the  noble  heralds  bore  them  to  [the  house] 
of  Alcinous ;  and  the  sons  of  illustrious  Alcinous  having  re¬ 
ceived  them,  placed  the  very  beautiful  gifts  near  their  vener¬ 
able  mother.  And  the  sacred  might  of  Alcinous  led  the  way 
for  them,  and  coming  they  sat  on  lofty  thrones  ;  then  truly 
mighty  Alcinous  addressed  Arete : 

“Hither,  lady,  bring  a  handsome  cheT,  whichever  is  best; 
and  in  it  place  a  well-washed  cloak,  and  a  tunic;  and  warm 
for  him  a  bi-azen  vessel  with  fire,  and  heat  water,  that  both 
having  washed  himself,  and  having  seen  all  the  presents 
])laced  in  order,  which  the  illustrious  Phaiacians  have  brought 
liere,  he  may  be  delighted  both  with  the  banquet,  and  by 
hearing  the  chant  of  song:  and  I  will  give  him  this  my  cup. 


430— 4G5.] 


ODYSSEY.  VIIL 


in 


very  beautiful,  golden,  that  remembering  me  all  his  days,  he 
may  pour  fortli  libations  in  his  palace,  both  to  Jove  and  the 
other  gods.” 

Thus  he  spoke;  and  Arete  told  her  handmaidens,  T^itli  all 
haste  to  place  a  large  tripod  on  the  fire.  And  they  placed 
a  three-footed  laver  on  the  bright  fire ;  and  poured  water  in 
it,  and  taking  wood  kindled  it  beneath.  The  fire  encircled 
the  belly-^^  of  the  tripod,  and  the  water  was  warmed.  But 
in  the  mean  while  Arete  brouglit  out  of  her  chamber  a  very 
beautiful  chest  for  the  stranger,  and  placed  in  it  handsome 
presents,  a  garment,  and  gold,  which  the  Plneacians  gave 
him ;  and  in  it  she  put  a  cloak  and  beautiful  tunic,  and 
speaking,  addressed  to  him  winged  words : 

“  Thyself  now  look  to  the  lid,  and  quickly  put  a  chain 
upon  it,'^^  lest  any  one  should  defraud  thee  on  thy  way,  when 
again  thou  sleepest  sweet  slumber,  going  in  the  black  ship.” 

But  when  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  heard  this,  he 
immediately  fitted  on  the  lid,  and  quickly  put  upon  it  a  va¬ 
rious  chain,  which  venerable  Circe  sometime  taught  him  in 
Ids  mind.  And  the  housekeeper  bade  him  forthwith  wash 
himself,  having  gone  into  the  bathing-tub  :  and  he  gladly  in 
liis  mind  beheld  the  warm  bath ;  because  he  had  not  been  at 
all  used  to  take  care  of  himself  since  he  left  the  dwelling  of 
the  fair-haired  Calypso;  but  so  long  at  least  care  of  himself 
was  continual  to  him,  as  to  a  god.  When  therefore  the  hand¬ 
maidens  had  washed  and  anointed  him  \\  ilh  oil,  and  had 
thrown  about  him  a  beautiful  mantle  and  tunic,  having  gone 
out  of  the  bath,  he  went  to  the  men  who  were  drinking  wine  ; 
but  Nausicaa,  possessing  beauty  from  the  gods,  stood  b}^  a 
pillar  of  the  well-made  roof;  and  she  admired  Ulysses,  seeing 
him  with  her  eyes,  and  S])eaking  she  addressed  to  him  winged 
words:  “Farewell,  stranger,  that  sometime  being  in  thy  pa¬ 
ternal  land  thou  mavest  remember  me,  that  thou  owest  to  me 
first  the  debt  of  preservation  of  thy  life.” 

But  lier  much-counseling  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer; 
“  Nausicaa,  daughter  of  strong-hearted  Alcinous,  thus  now 
may  Jove,  the  mighty-sounding  husband  of  Juno,  grant  to 

•*  Or  the  lower  part,  rot'  TTvO/xiva.  Schol. 

“  In  ancient  times  it  was  the  custom  to  secure  boxes  with  straps. 
Keys  were  a  more  modern  invention.”  Eustath. 


112 


ODYSSEY.  VIII. 


[4G6— 503. 


me  both  to  go  home,  and  to  see  the  day  of  my  return  :  then 
tliere  also  to  thee,  as  to  a  deity,  would  1  pray  still  all  my 
days ;  for  thou  hast  saved  my  life,  O  damsel.” 

He  spoke,  and  sat  on  a  throne  near  king  Alcinous.  And 
tliey  now  both  divided  the  shares  [of  the  feast],  and  mixed 
wine.  And  a  herald  came  near,  bringing  the  harmonious 
bard,  Demodocus,  honored  by  the  people ;  and  he  sat  him  in 
the  midst  of  the  feasters,  having  propped  him  against  a  lofty 
column.  Then  indeed  much-planning  Ulysses  addressed  th4 
herald,  having  first  cut  off  [a  portion]  from  tlie  back  ;  and 
a  great  part  of  a  white-tusked  swine  was  left,  and  rich  fat 
was  about  it. 

‘‘  Herald,  take  and  give  this  flesh  to  Demodocus,  that  he 
may  eat ;  and  I  will  embrace  him,  although  grieved.  For  by 
all  earthly  men  bard  i  are  allotted  honor  and  respect,  because 
indeed  the  Muse  has  taught  them  songs,  and  loves  the  tribe 
of  bards.” 

Thus  he  spoke;  but  the  herald,  bringing  it,  placed  it  in 
the  hands  of  the  hero  Demodocus ;  and  he  received  it  and  re¬ 
joiced  in  his  mind.  And  they  stretched  forth  their  hands  to 
the  food  which  lay  ready  before  them.  Dut  when  they  had 
taken  awav  the  desire  of  drinking  and  eating,  then  truly 
much-planning  Ulysses  addressed  Demodocus  : 

“  O  Demodocus,  I  indeed  praise  thee  above  all  mortals ; 
either  the  Muse,  child  of  Jove,  has  taught  thee,  or  Apollo  at 
least ;  for  thou  singest  well  in  order  the  fate  of  the  Aclueans, 
both  what  things  they  did,  and  suffered,  and  what  things  the 
Achaeans  labored  ;  as  if  perchance  cither  being  thyself  pres¬ 
ent,  or  having  heard  from  another.  l>ut  come  now,  change 
[the  strain]  and  sing  the  preparation  of  the  wooden  horse, 
which  Epeus  made  with  Minerva,  which  divine  Ulysses  for¬ 
merly  brought  into  the  citadel,  a  stratagem,  having  filled  it 
with  men  who  sacked  Ilium.  If  indeed  thou  shouldst  tell 
me  these  things  in  order,  1  will  immediately  tell  to  all  men, 
how  a  kind  god  has  bestowed  on  thee  divine  song.” 

Thus  lie  spoke  ;  and  he,  inspired  by  the  god,  began,  and 
showed  forth  his  song,  taking  it  from  tlience,  how  the  Argives, 
some  indeed  having  embarked  in  the  well-benched  ships,  sailed 
away,  having  hurled  fire  into  their  tents  ;  ami  others  now  were 
sitting  around  all-famous  Ulysses  in  the  forum  ot  the  Irojans, 


504—543.] 


ODYSSEY.  VIII. 


lid 


being  covered  in  the  horse ;  for  the  Trojans  themselves  had 
drawn  it  into  the  citadel.  Thus  it  stood  and  they  sitting 
about  it  spoke  many  undecided  things ;  and  counsel  pleased 
them  three  ways,  either  to  cut  through  the  hollow  wood  with 
tlie  hard  brass,  or  having  dragged  it  to  a  .summit,  to  cast  it 
down  the  rocks,  or  to  permit  the  great  image  to  be  a  propitia¬ 
tion  of  the  gods,  as  it  was  even  afterward  about  to  be  brought 
to  pass.  For  it  was  fated  that  it  should  perisli,  when  the  city 
sliould  cover  around^*  a  great  wooden  horse,  where  all  the 
best  of  the  Argives  sat,  bearing  slaughter  and  Fate  to  the 
Trojans.  And  he  sang  how  the  sons  of  the  Greeks  destroyed 
the  city,  being  poured  forth  from  the  horse,  having  left  tlie 
hollow  ambush.  He  sang  that  one  laid  wasters  the  lofty  city 
in  one  way,  and  another  in  another;  but  that  Ulysses,  like 
IMars,  went  to  the  house  of  Deiphobus  with  godlike  Menelaus. 
There  indeed  he  said,  that  he,  having  dared  a  very  fierce  bat¬ 
tle,  conquered  afterward  by  means  of  strong-hearted  Minerva. 
Tliese  things,  then,  the  very  famous  bard  sang ;  but  Ulysses 
was  melted,  and  a  tear  moistened  his  cheeks  under  his  eye¬ 
lids.  And  as  a  woman  weeps  falling  about  her  dear  husband, 
who  falls  before  his  own  city  and  people,  warding  off  the  fa¬ 
tal  day  from  his  town  and  children  ;  she  indeed,  gazing  on  him 
dying  and  gasping,  spread  about  him  laments  shrilly ;  but 
they  behind  smiting  her  with  spears  on  the  back  and  the 
slioulders,  lead  her  into  captivity,  to  have  both  toil  and  ca¬ 
lamity,  and  with  most  ])iteous  grief  her  cheeks  fade.  8a. 
Ulysses  })oured  a  piteous  tear  from  under  his  eyebrows. 
Then  indeed  he  escaped  tlie  notice  of  all  the  others,  pouring 
forth  tears,  but  Alcinous  alone  observed  and  perceived  him, 
sitting  near  him,  and  heard  him  mourning  heavily ;  and  im¬ 
mediately  addressed  the  oar-loving  Phaiacians  : 

“  Hear,  ye  leaders  and  rulers  over  the  Phaeacians,  and  let 
Demodocus  now  stop  his  clear-toned  harp;  for  somehow  he 
docs  not  sing  these  things  gratifying  to  all.  From  the  time 
when  we  were  supping,  and  the  divine  bard  began,  from  this 
time  the  stranger  has  not  by  any  means  ceased  from  mournful 
grief ;  some  great  sorrow  surrounds  his  mind  ;  but  come, let  him 
stop,  that  we  may  all  alike  be  delighted,  hosts  and  guests ;  since 

Compare  Virg.  Ain.  ii.  31,  sqq. ;  Petron.  Arb.  §  123 ;  Eurip.  Troad, 
540,  sqq.  ;  Tryphiodor.  238,  sqq. 

i.  e.  contain.  Literally,  “lopped,  cropped  down.” 


114 


ODYSSEY.  YIII. 


[544—580. 


thus  it  is  much  more  honorable.  For  these  things  are  prepared 
on  account  of  the  venerable  stranger,  an  escort,  and  grateful 
presents,  which  we  entertaining  [him]  bestow  on  him.  The 
stranger  and  suppliant  is  considered  in  the  place  of  a  bi’other 
by  a  man  who  partakes  of  understanding  even  a  little.  Do  thou 
therefore  now  not  conceal  by  crafty  thoughts  what  I  shall  ask 
thee  ;  but  it  is  better  that  thou  shouldst  say.  Tell  the  name, 
whatever  both  thv  mother  and  father  there  called  thee,  and  oth- 
ers  who  dwell  in  and  around  the  city  ;  -  for  no  one  of  men  is  al¬ 
together  nameless,  neitlier  bad  nor  good,  since  he  was  first  born, 
but  parents  give  [names]  to  all,  when  they  bring  them  forth. 
And  tell  me  thy  land,  and  people,  and  city :  that  our  ships 
calculating  in  thought'^  may  conduct  thee  thither.  For  there 
are  no  pilots  for  the  Phieacians,  nor  are  there  rudders  at  all, 
which  other  ships  have  ;  but  they  themselves  ken  the  thoughts 
and  minds  of  men.  And  they  ken  the  cities  and  rich  fields  of 
all  men  ;  and  very  swiftly  pass  over  the  ridge  of  the  sea,  cov¬ 
ered  with  darkness  and  a  cloud  ;  nor  is  there  fear  at  any  time 
for  tliem,  that  they  will  be  either  liarmed  at  all  or  perish. 
Put  I  have  heard  my  father  Nausithoiis  sometime  telling  these 
things  thus,  who  said  that  Neptune  was  indignant  with  us, 
because  we  are  harmless  conductors  of  all.  lie  said  that  he 
would  sometime  destroy  a  well-worked  ship  of  the  Fliacacian 
men  returning  from  a  conduct  on  the  shadowy  sea,  and  that 
a  great  mountain  [of  waves]^^  should  cover  around  our  city. 
Thus  the  old  man  spoke;  which  things  the  god  will  either 
accomplish,  or  they  will  be  not  accomplished,  as  is  grateful  to 
his  mind.  But  come,  tell  me  this  and  inform  me  truly,  both 
whither  thou  hast  wandered,  and  to  what  lands  of  men  thou 
hast  come ;  both  themselves  and  their  well-inhabited  cities. 
And  how  many  are  both  cruel,  and  rough,  and  not  just;  and 
who  [are]  hospitable,  and  have  a  mind  which  regards  the  gods. 
Say  too  at  what  thou  weepest,  and  art  grieving  within  thine 
heart,  on  healing  the  calamity  of  the  Argives,  Danaans,  and 
Ilium.  That  [calamity]  the  gods  indeed  devised,  and  destined 
destruction  for  men,  that  it  may  be  a  [subject  of]  song  even  to 

These  “thinking  ships”  of  Homer’s  are  almost  as  clever  as  tlie 
“  pro])liesying  Argo”  of  Valerius  Flaccus,  i.  2. 

°  Virg.  JEn.  i.  lOt),  “  pneruptns  aqi‘«  mons.”  Ovid,  Trist.  i.  2,  19, 
“quanto  montes  volvnntnr  aquarnm  ii.  10,  20,  “  Inque  modum  tumu* 
li  concava  snrgit  aqua.’’ 


t 


581— 58G.  IX.  1—21.]  ODYSSEY.  IX. 


115 


posterity.  Has  indeed  some  relation  of  thine  perished  before 
ilium,  who  was  brave,  a  son-in-law,  or  father-in-law,  who  are 
nearest  to  us  after  both  our  own  blood  and  race  ?  Or  per¬ 
chance  even  some  man  thy  companion,  knowing  things  pleas¬ 
ing  to  thee,  brave ;  since  he  indeed  is  not  at  all  inferior  to  a 
brother,  who,  being  a  companion,  kens  what  is  prudent.” 


BOOK  IX. 

ARGUMENT. 

Ulysses  begins  the  narrative  of  his  adventures.  He  relates  how  lie 
fought  with  tlie  Ciconians,  and  destroyed  Ismarus ;  that  he  then  came 
to  the  Lotophagi ;  and  afterward  to  the  land  of  the  Cyclops ;  where 
he  was  shut  up  in  the  cave  of  Polyphemus,  who  devoured  six  of  his 
companions ;  but  that  after  he  had  intoxicated  him  with  wine,  he 
blinded  him  while  asleep,  and  escaped  with  the  rest  of  his  companions. 

But  him  much-planning  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer  :  “  O 
king  Alcinous,  thou  most  illustrious  of  all  the  people,  of  a 
truth  it  is  a  fine  thing  to  listen  to  such  a  bard  as  he  is,  like 
unto  the  gods  in  his  voice  ;  for  I  do  not  think  there  is  any 
event^  more  delightful,  than  when  joy  possesses  a  whole 
people,  and  the  banqueters  sitting  in  order  through  a  house 
listen  to  a  baixl ;  and  near  them  tables  are  filled  with  bread 
and  meat ;  and  the  cup-bearer  drawing  wine  from  a  bowl, 
carries  it,  and  pours  it  into  the  cups ;  this  seems  to  me  in  my 
mind  to  be  sometliing  most  excellent.  But  thy  mind  has 
turned  to  imjuire  concerning  my  sad  griefs,  that  still  more 
lamenting  I  may  mourn.  What  first,  indeed,  what  next,  and 
what  last  of  all  sliall  I  relate  For  the  heavenly  gods  have 
given  me  many  griefs,  l^ut  now  I  first  will  tell  my  name, 
tliat  ye  both  may  know  ;  and  that  I  hereafter,  having  csca])ed 
from  a  cruel  day,^  may  be  a  host  unto  you,  although  inhabit¬ 
ing  houses  at  a  distance.  1  am  Ulysses,  the  son  of  Laertes, 
wlio  am  an  object  of  attention  to  men  in  all  kinds  of  craft, 
and  my  fame  i*eaches  heaven.  And  I  inhabii  Ithaca,  well 
situated  tovvard  the  west ;  and  in  it  there  is  a  mountain, 

*  rsXoc  appears  to  luean  nothing  more  than  “thing,  event.”  See 
Casaub.  on  Athcn.  ii.  3. 

"  i,  e.  death. 


116 


ODYSSEY.  IX. 


[22—54. 


Neritus,  leaf-shaking, ^  very  conspicuous  ;  and  around  it  there 
are  many  islands  very  near  to  one  another,  Dulichium,  and 
Samos,  and  woody  Zacynthus  ;  but  it  lies  low,  the  highest*  in 
the  sea  toward  the  west  (but  those  that  are  separated  from 
it  [lie]  toward  the  east  and  the  sun),  craggy,  but  a  good 
nourisher  of  youths ;  I  can  not  at  all  behold  any  thing  else 
sweeter  than  this  island.  Certainly,  indeed.  Calypso,  divine 
one  of  goddesses,  kept  me  away  from  thence  [in  her  hollow 
caves,  desiring  that  I  should  be  her  husband]  so  in  like 
manner  did  ^icean  Circe,  crafty,  detain  me  in  her  palace,  de¬ 
siring  that  I  should  be  her  husband ;  but  they  did  not  at  all 
persuade  the  mind  in  my  breast.  Since  nothing  is  sweeter  than 
one’s  own  country  and  one’s  parents,  although  one  should  in¬ 
habit  a  wealthy  house  at  a  distance,  in  a  foreign  land,  far  from 
one’s  parents.  But  come,  I  will  tell  also  of  my  very  toilsome 
return,  which  Jove  sent  upon  me  when  I  went  from  Troy. 

“  The  wind  bearing  me  from  Ilium  made  me  approach  the 
Ciconians  in  Ismarus ;  and  there  I  laid  waste  the  city,  and 
destroyed  them.®  And  taking  their  wives  and  many  pos¬ 
sessions  out  of  the  city,  we  divided  them,  that  no  one  might 
go  deprived  of  an  equal  share,  dlien  indeed  I  ordered  that 
we  should  fly  with  a  moist  foot  but  they  very  foolish  did 
not  obey  me.  There  they  drank  much  wine,  and  slew  many 
sheep  near  the  shore,  and  beeves  curve-footed,  bent-horn. 
But  in  the  mean  time  the  Ciconians  going  called  upon  the 
Ciconians,  who  were  their  neighbors,  both  more  in  numher, 
and  braver,  who  inhabit  the  continent,  knowing  how  to  fight 
with  men  from  horses,  and,  Avhen  there  is  need,  being  on  foot. 
Then  they  came  in  the  morning,  as  many  in  number  as  are  tlic 
leaves  and  flowers  in  spring ;  tlien  at  length  evil  fate  from  Jove 
stood  over  ill-fated  us,  that  we  sjiould  suffer  many  griefs.  And 
having  placed  themselves  [in  array],  they  engaged  in  battle 

^  i.  e.  woody. 

*  TrawTrepTcirt]  is  to  be  explained  ])y  the  fact  that  the  sea  at  a  distance 
^eems  to  rise  ;  hence  the  island  farthest  seemed  higher  than  the  nearest. 
Strabo,  k.  p.  454,  quoted  by  Eustath.,  had  a  glinqise  of  the  meaning. 
See  my  note  oti  riiil.  513,  and  Arnold  on  Thucyd.  i.  112.  G.  Burges. 

*  A  very  doubtful  verse.  ®  'I'lie  Ciconians. 

^  There  are  different  ways  of  cxjdainiug  this  word;  the  most  probable 
wav  of  taking  it  seems  to  be  that  chosen  bv  the  Scholiast,  tiulh  a  moi^t 
foot^  metaphorically  for  in  a  ship.  Old  Transl.  The  same  view  is 
adopted  by  Loewe  and  Ernesti. 


55— 83.J 


ODYSSEY.  IX. 


117 


near  tiie  swift  sliips,  and  struck  one  another  with  brass-tipped 
spears.  Wliile  it  was  morning,  and  sacred  day  grew  on,  so  long 
we  remained,  warding  them  off,  although  they  were  more  in 
number ;  but  when  the  sun  changed  its  journey  toward  even¬ 
ing,®  then  at  length  the  Ciconians,  subduing  the  Ach^eans,  put 
them  to  flight.  Six  well-greaved  companions  out  of  each  ship 
perished ;  but  the  rest  of  us  escaped  death  and  fate.  And  from 
thence  we  sailed  forward  sorrowing  in  our  heart,  rejoicing  [at 
our  own  escape]  from  death,  having  lost  our  dear  companions. 
Nor  yet^  did  my  ships  rolling  on  both  sides  proceed,  before 
we  thrice  cried  out  to  each  one^®  of  our  wretched  compan¬ 
ions,  who  died  in  the  plain,  slain  by  the  Ciconians.  And 
cloud-compelling  Jove  stirred  up  a  north  wind  against  our 
ships,  with  a  divine  whirlwind,  and  he  covered  the  earth  and 
the  sea  together  with  clouds ;  and  night  arose  from  heaven. 
They  then  were  borne  along  to  leeward,  and  the  force  of  the 
wind  rent  their  sails  in  three  and  four  places.  And  these^^ 
we  let  down  into  the  ships,  dreading  destruction,  and  w'e  drew 
tliern^^  eagerly  forward  to  the  continent.  There  two  nights 
and  two  days  we  lay  continually,  consuming  our  mind  at  the 
same  time  both  with  toil  and  griefs:  but  when  at  length  fair¬ 
haired  morning  brought  about  the  third  day,  having  set  up 
our  masts,  and  drawn  up  our  white  sails,  we  sat  dowm  ;  and 
the  wind  and  the  helmsman  guided  them  straight  along.  And 
now  I  should  have  reached  my  paternal  land  unharmed,  but 
the  billow  and  the  stream  and  the  north  wind  thrust  me  away 
as  I  was  doubling  Malea,  and  made  me  wander  to  Cythera. 
And  from  thence  I  was  carried  for  nine  days  over  the  fishy 
sea  by  baleful  winds;  but  on  the  tenth  we  came  upon  the 

®  Literally,  “toward  the  time  when  oxen  are  loosed  from  labor.” 
Euttm.  Lcxil.  p.  89,  observes:  “this  is  in  truth  a  great  and  beautiful 
idea,  fall  of  spirit  and  meaning;  the  moment  at  which  it  may  be  su])- 
j)Osed,  that  in  the  whole  agricultural  world  the  wearied  steer  is  loosed 
from  his  daily  labor.”  Cf.  Ileliodor.  Ethiop.  ii.  p.  91,  ed.  Bourd.  Kai 
yv  fitv  ojpa  Trepi  (SovXvtov  ydy.  Ilesychius  interprets  it,  j)  d(i\7i,  uipa,  iv 
y  TO  uporpov  Xvtraiy  rutv  iSowv. 

®  dpa  is  emphatic.  See  Clarke. 

Join  fKaarov  riva,  not,  as  the  former  prose  translator  supj)Osed,  riva 
dvaai.  f)n  the  custom  here  mentioned  see  Virg.  yEii.  iii.  07,  “animam- 
<pie  sepulero  eondimus,  et  magna  sujjremum  voce  eiemus.  ”  vi.  50G,  “  et 
magna  manes  ter  voce  voeavi.”  Cf.  Eur.  Suppl.  773,  804.  Alcest.  625, 
witli  my  notes  on  the  former  })assage,  t.  i.  ji.  331,  ed.  Bohn. 

“  Tiie  sails.  ^  The  shijts. 


118 


ODYSSEY.  IX. 


5^84—110. 


land  of  the  Lotopliagi,  Avho  eat  flowers  as  food.  There  then 
we  landed  on  the  continent,  and  drew  water ;  and  immediate¬ 
ly  my  companions  took  supper  near  the  swift  ships.  But 
when  we  had  tasted  of  meat  and  drink,  then  at  length  I  sent 
my  companions,  having  chosen  two  men,  giving  a  herald  as 
third, in  company  with  them,  to  go'^  and  impure,  what  men 
they  were  who  eat  food  upon  the  land.  But  they,  going 
immediately,  were  mingled  with  the  Lotus-eating  men:  nor 
did  the  Lotopliagi  devise  destruction  for  our  companions,  but 
they  gave  them  to  taste  of  the  lotus.  But  whoever  of  them 
ate  of  the  pleasant  food  of  the  lotus,  he  no  longer  wished  to 
bring  back  news,  nor  to  return,  but  they  preferred  to  remain 
there  with  the  Lotopliagi  eating  lotus,  and  to  be  forgetful  of 
return.  Them  indeed  weeping  I  by  force  led  to  the  ships, 
and  dragging,  bound  them  under  the  benches  in  the  hollow 
sliips.  liut  I  exhorted  my  other  beloved  companions,  to  hast¬ 
en  and  embark  on  the  swift  ships,  lest  by  chance  any  one 
eating  of  the  lotus,  should  be  forgetful  of  return.  But  they 
immediately  embarked,  and  sat  down  on  the  benches  ;  and 
sitting  in  order  they  smote  the  hoary  sea  with  their  oars. 

“And  from  thence  W'e  sailed  forward,  sorrowing  at  heart: 
and  we  came  to  the  land  of  the  monstrous^^  Cyclops,  who 
have  no  laws,  who,  trusting  in  the  immortal  gods,  neither  plant 
a  plant^®  with  their  hands,  nor  plow :  but  all  these  things  un-* 
sown,  untilled,  spring  up,  wheat  and  barley,  and  vines,  Avhich 
bear  wine  from  large  clusters,  and  the  shower  from  Jove  nour~ 
ishes  them.  Among  them  [there  are]  neither  assemblies  for 
consulting,  nor  rights:  but  they  inhabit  the  summits  of  lofty 
mountains  in  hollow  caves;  and  every  one  gives  judgment 
to  his  children  and  wives ;  nor  do  they  care  for  one  another. 
There  a  long’'  island  is  stretched  out  from  the  haven  of  the 

I  am  unwilling  to  deprive  my  readers  of  tlio  following  brilliant 
speeimen  of  accurate  construing  found  in  the  old  and  (most  wisely) 
anonymous  prose  translation,  “giving  a  herald  to  the  third."  And  yet 
Eustathius  had  written,  iraipoi  dOo  (TTsWovraL  kui  rpiTarog  Kt)pv^. 

“  On  the  Lotopliagi  the  student  will  find  very  cojiious  and  interesting 
information  in  the  notes  of  Loewe  on  this  passage,  and  of  l)e  Piiiedo  on 
Steph.  Byz.  v.  X^roepopoq,  p.  432. 

^  Cf.  Buttm.  Lexil.  p.  514,  where  he  regards  the  Cyclops  as  “mon¬ 
strous  children  of  nature,  who  needed  no  social  or  legal  relations  among 
themselves,  and  consequently  did  not  acknowledge  them  toward  others.” 

“  An  antiquated  and  somewhat  oriental  style  of  repetition. 

’’  See  Ernesti.  I  myself  should  }»refer  the  reading  preserved  in  Eust?.^ 


117—158.] 


ODYSSEY.  IX. 


119 


land  of  the  Cyclops,  not  very  near,  nor  far  off,  woody :  and 
in  it  wild  goats  are  produced  in  boundless  number  ;  for  the 
step  of  men  does  not  interfere  with  them  :  nor  do  hunters,  wlio 
undergo  toils  in  the  wood,  searching  the  tops  of  mountains, 
go  over  it.  It  is  neither  kept  by  docks,  nor  by  plowings, 
but  itself,  for  all  days  unsoAvn  and  untilled,  is  bereft  of  men^ 
and  feeds  bleating  goats.  For  the  Cyclops  have  not  vermil- 
ion-prowed  ships,  nor  are  there  men  among  them  builders 
of  ships,  who  can  make  well-benched  ships,  which  would  per¬ 
form  every  thing,  going  to  the  cities  of  men  :  as  frequently 
men,  w!io  have  prepared  for  themselves  a  well-inhabited  isl¬ 
and,  pass  in  ships  over  the  sea,  one  to  another:  for  it  is  not 
at  all  bad,  but  would  produce  every  thing  in  season.  For 
there  are  in  it  watery,  soft  meadows,  near  the  banks  of  the 
hoary  sea ;  and  the  vines  would  be  very  unperishable.  And 
in  it  the  tillage  is  light ;  and  'they  would  always  reap  a  deep 
harvest  in  season,  since  the  soil  is  very  rich  below.  And 
there  is  a  haven  with  a  good  station,  Avhere  there  is  no  need 
of  cable,  nor  to  cast  anchors,  nor  to  bind  the  hawsers,  but  driv¬ 
ing  in  to  remain  so  long,  until  the  mind  of  the  sailors  should 
excite  them,  and  the  winds  should  blow.  But  at  the  head  of 
the  haven  flows  clear  water,  a  fountain  from  under  a  cave  ; 
and  around  poplars  spring  up.  There  we  sailed,  and  some 
deity  conducted  us  through  the  dark  night;  nor  did  it  ap¬ 
pear  so  as  to  be  seen.  For  there  was  a  dense  mist  about 
the  ships,  nor  did  the  moon  shine  from  heaven,  for  it  was 
covered  with  clouds ;  from  thence  no  one  beheld  the  island 
with  his  eyes ;  nor  did  we  perceive  the  long  waves  rolling  tc 
the  beach,  before  the  well-benched  ships  struck  against  it. 
But  when  the  ships  struck,  we  took  down  all  the  sails,  and  wo 
ourselves  disembarked  upon  the  shore  of  the  sea ;  there  hav¬ 
ing  fallen  asleep,  we  awaited  divine  morning.  But  when  the 
mother  of  dawn,  rosy-fingered  morning,  appeared,  admiring  the 
island  we  went  round  ^bout  it.  And  the  nymphs,  the  daugh¬ 
ters  of  Aiigis-bearing  Jove,  roused  the  mountain-dwelling  goats, 
that  my  companions  might  take  their  meal.  Immediately 
we  took  our  bent  l)Ows  and  long-pointed  javelins  from  the 
ships  ;  and  arrayed  in  three  bands,  we  struck  them  ;  and  the 
sleity  straightway  gave  us  a  strength-recruitiug  prey.  Twelve 

thins,  t\f'ixiia  =  t\nxt*yrt].  There  is,  however,  p;reat  uncertainty  both  re¬ 
specting  the  orthogrnpliy  and  tlie  meaning  of  tliis  word. 


120 


ODYSSEY.  IX. 


[159—198. 


sliips  indeed  followed  me,  and  to  each  nine  goats  were  allot¬ 
ted  ;  and  they  selected  ten  for  me  alone.  Thus,,then,  during 
the  whole  day,  until  the  setting  sun,  we  sat  feasting  on  much 
desh  and  sweet  wine.  For  the  ruby  wine  was  not  yet  ex¬ 
pended  from  the  ships,  but  was  in  [them]  :  for  each  of  us 
drew  much  in  kegs,  when  we  captured  the  sacred  citadel  of  the 
Ciconians.  And  we  looked  to  the  land  of  the  Cyclops,  who 
were  near,  and  [perceived]^®  smoke,  and  their  voice,  and  that 
of  sheep  and  goats.^®  But  when  the  sun  set  and  darkness 
came  on,  then  at  length  we  went  to  rest  on  the  shore  of  the 
sea  :  but  when  the  mother  of  dawn,  rosy-fingered  morning,  ap¬ 
peared,  then  I,  having  made  an  assembly,  spoke  among  all : 
‘  Do  ye  others,  my  beloved  companions,  now  remain,  but  I, 
with  my  own  ship  and  my  companions,  will  go,  and  make 
trial  of  these  men  who  they  are,  whether  they  are  insolent, 
and  wild,  nor  just;  or  are  hospitable,  and  their  mind  is  god¬ 
like.’  Thus  having  spoken,  I  embarked  in  my  ship ;  and  com¬ 
manded  my  companions  both  to  embark  themselves,  and  to 
loose  the  hawsers.  But  they  immediately  embarked,  and  sat 
down  on  the  benches ;  and  sitting  in  order,  they  smote  the 
hoary  sea  with  their  oars.  But  when  indeed  w’e  came  to  the 
countiy  near  at  hand,  there  we  beheld  a  cave  on  the  extreme 
part  [of  the  land],  .near  the  sea,  lofty,  covered  with  laurels ; 
there  much  cattle,  both  sheep  and  goats,  w^ere  sleeping ;  and 
around  a  lofty  hall  was  built  with  stones  dug  out  of  the  earth, 
and  tall  pines,  and  lofty-tressed  oaks.  There  a  monstrous  man 
was  sleeping,  who  was  pasturing  his  cattle  alone  at  a  distance; 
nor  did  he  herd  with  others,  but  being  apart  (by  himself)  he 
kenned  lawless  things.  And  truly  he  was  a  monstrous  prodigy  ; 
nor  was  he  like  unto  a  man  who  feeds  on  bread,  but  unto  the 
woody  top  of  lofty  mountains,  when  it  appears  alone  [separated] 
from  others.  Then  indeed  1  ordered  my  other  beloved  com¬ 
panions  to  remain  there  near  the  ship,  and  to  draw  up  the  ship; 
but  I,  having  chosen  twelve  the  best  o^^my  companions,  went. 
And  I  had  a  goat’s  skin  of  black  wine,  pleasant,  which  INIa- 
ron,  son  of  Euanthes,  priest  of  Apollo,  who  guarded-^  Ismarus, 

On  this  zeuf^ma,  iXtvaao^tv — ^Boyyrjv,  see  my  note  on  yBsch.  Prom, 
p.  2,  n.  7,  ed.  Bolin. 

On  this  subsequent  story  of  the  Cyclops  Euripides  has  grounded  a 
Satiric  Drama  of  the  same  name.  See  the  note  to  my  translation  ef 
Euripides,  t.  ii.  p.  288,  n.  4,  ed.  Bohn. 

Or,  “presided  over,’*  Cf.  Tl.  i.  37, 


198— 230.J 


ODYSSEY.  IX. 


121 


gave  me :  because,  reverencing  him,  we  saved  him  with  his 
children  and  his  wife ;  for  he  dwelt  in  the  woody  grove  of 
Phoebus  Apollo ;  he  therefore  gave  unto  me  illustrious  pres¬ 
ents  ;  he  gave  to  me  indeed  seven  talents  of  well-wrought 
gold ;  and  he  gave  me  a  cup  all  silver ;  but  besides  drawing 
wine  in  twelve  casks  in  all,  pleasant,  unadulterated,  a  divine 
drink ;  nor  did  any  of  his  servants  know  of  it,  nor  his  hand¬ 
maidens  in  his  house,  but  himself  and  his  dear  wife,  and  his 
one  housekeeper  alone.  But  when  he  drank  this  sweet  ruby 
wine,  filling  one  cup,  he  poured  in  it  up  to  twenty  measures 
of  water ;  and  a  sweet  odor  wafted  from  the  cup,  divine ;  then 
it  would  by  no  means  have  been  agreeable  to  abstain.  Hav¬ 
ing  filled  a  large  skin  with  this,  I  carried  it,  and  provisions 
in  a  satchel ;  for  my  noble  mind  immediately  conjectured,  that 
a  man  would  come  endued  with  great  might,  wild,  not  well 
acquainted  with  justice,  nor  rights.  And  we  quickly  reached 
the  cave,  nor  did  we  find  him  within  ;  but  he  was  pasturing 
his  cattle  in  the  rich  pasture.  And  coming  to  the  cave  we 
regarded  every  thing ;  his  presses  indeed  were  filled  with 
cheeses,  and  his  pens  were  straightened  with  lambs  -and  kids  ; 
And  each  were  shut  up  separate ;  the  older  ones  apart,  and 
the  middle-aged  apart, and  again  the  tender  ones^'  apart;  and 
all  his  vessels  swam  with  cream,  his  milk  pails,  and  bowls, 
wrought,  into  which  he  milked.  Then  my  companions  first 
of  all  besought  me  with  words,  that  we  should  go  back,  hav¬ 
ing  taken  some  of  his  cheeses ;  but  afterward,  quickly  driving 
kids  and  lambs  from  the  pens  to  the  swift  ship,  to  sail  over 
the  briny  water.  But  I  did  not  obey  them  (it  would  indeed 
have  been  much  better),  in  order  that  I  might  both  see  him, 
and  whether  he  would  give  me  hospitable  presents.  Nor  was 
he  about  to  be,  when  he  appeared,  agreeable  to  my  compan¬ 
ions.  But  there  havino;  li<>:htc(l  a  fire  we  sacrificed  ;  and  we 
too  taking  of  the  cheeses  ate  ;  and  we  waited  for  him,  sitting 
within  until  he  came,  having  pastured  [lus  flocks] ;  but  ho 
was  bearing  a  vast  weight  of  dry  wood,  that  it  might  serve 
as  a  light  for  him  at  supper. And  throwing  it  without  the 
cave,  he  made  a  clamor ;  and  we,  afraid,  rushed  to  the  inner- 

Literally,  ‘  flew-like,”  at  vfoyvtH  kuI  uTraXal  kuI  dpoaojdtic.  Cf. 
Aisch.  Ag.  141.  Diiul.  with  Bloomfield’s  note. 

--  So  tlio  Selioliast  exidains  TroTidopTriot;,  which  literally  means  “  use- 
tnl  at  supper.’’ 


122 


ODYSSEY.  IX. 


[230— 27a 


most  part  of  the  cave.  But  he  drove  all  the  fatted  flocks, 
whatever  he  milked,  into  the  wide  cave,  but  the  males  he  left 
at  the  door,  both  rams  and  goats,  outside  the  deep  hall.  But 
then  lifting  up  a  large  barrier  on  high,  he  fixed  it,  of  great 
weight :  two-and-twenty  good  wains,  with  four  wheels,  would 
not  have  moved  it  from  the  threshold,  such  a  lofty^^  rock  did 
he  place  at  the  door.  And  sitting  down  he  milked  the  sheej) 
and  bleating  goats  all  rightly,  and  he  set  its  young  one  under 
each.  But  immediately,  having  thickened  half  of  the  white 
milk,  collecting  it  into  woven  sieves  he  laid  it  aside  ;  and  then 
he  put  half  in  vessels,  that  it  might  be  for  him  to  drink  when 
he  wished,  and  might  be  useful  at  supper.  But  after  he  had 
hastened  in  performing  his  employments,  then  he  lighted  a 
fire,  and  saw  and  inquired  of  us  : 

“‘O  strangers,  who  are  ye?  from  whence  do  ye  sail  over 
the  moist  ways  ?  AVhether  on  account  of  some  business,  or 
do  ye  wander  in  vain  ?  as  robbers  over  the  sea,  who  wander, 
exposing  their  lives,  bringing  evil  to  foreigners.’ 

“Thus  he  S})oke ;  but  our  dear  heart  was  broken  doAvn, 
fearing  his  heavy  voice,  and  him  a  monster.  But  even  so, 
answering  him  with  words,  1  addressed  him:  ‘We  Grecians, 
wandering  from  Troy  with  all  kinds  of  winds  over  the  mighty 
ridge  of  the  sea,  on  returning  home,  have  come  another  jour¬ 
ney,  by  other  ways;  so  perhaps  Jove  wished  to  contrive. 
But  we  profess  ourselves  to  be  the  people  of  Agamemnon,  son 
of  Atreus,  Avhose  renoAvn,  noAv  at  least,  is  the  greatest  under 
heaven  :  for  he  has  sacked  so  mighty  a  city,  and  destroyed 
[so]  many  people;  but  Ave  coming  to  thy  knees  supplicate 
thee,  if  thou  Avouldst  afford  us  hospitable  entertainment,  or 
otherwise  Avouldst  give  us  a  present,  Avhich  is  the  right  of 
strangers.  But  revere  the  gods,  O  best  one ;  for  AA^e  are  thy 
suppliants.  And  hospitable  Jove,  Avho  attends  upon  strangers 
to  be  pitied,  is  the  avenger  of  suppliants  and  strangers.’ 

“  Thus  I  spokti ;  but  he  ansAvered  me  again  Avith  a  cruel 
mind :  ‘  Yfo  are  foolish,  O  stranger,  or  ha\'e  come  from  a  dis¬ 
tance,  Avho  command  me  cither  to  fear  or  avoid  the  gods;  for 
the  Cyclo])S  care  not  for  A’lgis-boaring  Jove,  nor  the  blessed 
gods;  since  Ave  are  much  superior  to  them.  Nor  Avould  I, 
avoiding  the  hatred  of  Jove,  spare  either  thee  or  thy  com- 


Literally,  “  suii-traversed.” 
aprico.” 


Virg.  .<En.  viii.  211,  “  saxo  occultabat 


279—317.] 


ODYSSEY.  IX. 


123 


panions,  if  my  mind  does  not  exhort  me.  But  tell  me, 
where,  when  thou  earnest,  hast  thou  kept  thy  well-worked 
ship ;  whether  somewhere  on  the  extreme  part  of  the  island, 
or  near,  in  order  that  I  may  know.’ 

“  Thus  he  spoke,  trying  me ;  nor  did  he  escape  me  who 
ken  many  things,  but  I  addressed  him  in  return  with  deceit¬ 
ful  words:  ‘Earth-shaking  Neptune  has  broken  my  ship, 
dashing  it  against  rocks,  at  the  limits  of  thy  land,  driving  it 
against  the  headland:  and  a  wind  brought  it  from  the  sea; 
but  I  with  these  escaped  from  bitter  destruction.’ 

“Thus  I  spoke;  but  he  answered  me  not  at  all  with  his 
cruel  mind;  but  he  rushing,  threw  his  hands  on  my  compan¬ 
ions,  and  snatching  two  together,  like  whelps,  he  dashed 
them  against  the  earth,  and  the  brains  flowed  out  on  the 
ground,  and  bedewed  the  earth.  And  cutting  these  up,  limb 
by  limb,  he  made  ready  supper :  and  he  ate  like  a  mountain- 
nurtured  lamb,  nor  did  he  leave  entrails  or  flesh,  or  marrowy 
bones.  But  we  weeping  held  up  our  hands  to  Jove,  behold¬ 
ing  the  cruel  deeds;  and  despair  possessed  our  mind.  But 
when  the  Cyclops  had  filled  his  enormous  belly,  eating  men’s 
lle^i,  and  drinking  pure  milk  after  it,  he  lay  within  the  cave, 
stretched  out  in  the  midst  of  the  sheep.  I  indeed  took  coun¬ 
sel  in  my  strong-hearted  mind,  going  near,  having  drawn  my 
sharp  sword  from  my  thigh,  to  wound  him  in  the  breast, 
where  the  vitals  contain  the  liver,  reaching  him  with  my 
hand,  but  another  consideration  hindered  me.  For  there  we 
also  should  have  perished  in  dreadful  destruction  ;  for  we 
should  not  have  been  able  to  thrust  with  our  hands  the  im¬ 
mense  stone  from  the  lofty  gates,  which  he  placed  at  them. 
Thus  then  mourning,  we  waited  for  divine  morning.  But 
when  the  mother  of  dawn,  rosy-fingered  morning,  a])peared, 
tljen  he  lighted  a  fire,  and  milked  all  Ins  fine  cattle  rightly, 
and  set  its  young  one  under  each.  But  after  he  had  hastened 
in  performing  his  employments,  he  again  snatching  two  to¬ 
gether,  made  ready  his  meal.  And  having  banqueted  he  drove 
Ids  rich  cattle  out  from  the  cave,  easily  taking  away  tlie  large 
gate ;  but  afterward  he  placed  it  back  again,  as  if  he  were 
placing  the  covet*  on  a  quiver.  And  with  much  clamor  the 
('yclops  turned  his  rich  cattle  toward  the  mountain  ;  but  I 
was  left  dee])ly  j)lanning  evil  things,  if  by  any  means  1  ndght 
be  revenged  on  Idu),  and  INIinerva  would  give  me  glory.  But 


124 


ODYSSEY.  IX. 


[318—351. 


this  plan  appeared  to  me  in  my  mind  to  be  the  best.  F or  there 
lay  a  vast  club  belonging  to  the  Cyclops,  near  the  fold,  green, 
of  olive  wood  ;  this  he  had  cut,  that  he  might  carry  it  when 
dried ;  this  when  we  saw  it  we  likened  it  [to  be]  as  large  as 
is  the  masC^  of  a  twenty-oared  black  merchant  vessel,  wide, 
wliich  passes  over  the  mighty  ridge ;  so  large  it  was  in 
length,  and  so  large  in  width  to  behold.  Of  this  I,  standing 
near  it,  cut  otf  as  much  as  the  length  of  a  fathom,  and  gave  it 
to  my  companions,  and  ordered  them  to  sharpen  it  at  the  end. 
And  they  made  it  smooth  ;  and  I  standing  near  sharpened  the 
point,  and  immediately  taking  it,  I  burned  it  in  the  hot  fire ; 
and  I  laid  it  aside  well,  hiding  it  under  the  dung,  which  was 
spread  in  very  large  quantities  in  the  cave.  13ut  I  ordered 
the  others  to  be  settled  by  lot,  whoever  should  dare  with  me, 
raising  the  bar,  to  thrust  it  in  his  eye,  when  sweet  sleep  should 
come  upon  him.  And  four  were  chosen  by  lot,  whom  even  I 
mvself  would  have  wished  to  choose,  and  I  was  chosen  the  fifth 
after  them.  And  in  the  evening  he  came  acting  the  shepherd 
to  his  beautiful-haired  cattle  ;  and  immediately  he  drove  all  his 
licli  sheep  into  the  wide  cave ;  nor  did  he  leave  them  at  all 
outside  the  deep  liall,  either  suspecting  something,  or  perhaps 
a  deity  so  commanded  him.  And  afterward  lie  put  up  the 
large  barrier,  raising  it  on  high,  and  sitting  down  he  milked 
the  sheep  and  bleating  goats,  all  rightly,  and  he  set  its  young 
one  under  each.  But  after'he  had  hastened  in  performing 
his  employments,  again  snatching  two  together,  he  made  ready 
Ills  supper ;  and  then  I  addressed  the  Cyclops  standing  near 
him,  holding  in  my  hands  an  ivy-wreathed^^  cup  of  black  wine  : 
‘  O  Cyclops,  take,  drink  wine,  since  thou  hast  eaten  man's 
flesh ;  that  thou  mayest  know  what  this  drink  was  which  our 
ship  concealed;  but  to  thee  1  have  brought  a  libation,  if  pity- 
ins;  me  thou  wouldst  send  me  home  ;  but  tliou  art  ravins:  in 
a  manner  no  longer  to  be  endured.  O  cruel  one,  how  dost 

A  common  hyperbole.  So  Milton,  Par.  Lost,  i.  292 : 

“His  spear,  to  equal  wliich  the  tallest  jiine 
Hewn  on  Norwegian  hills,  to  he  the  mast 
(If  some  great  admiral,  were  but  a  wand.” 

This  seems  to  he  the])ro])er  interpretation  of  KKravjiiov.  Cf.  Kiess¬ 
ling  on  Theocrit.  ii.  27.  Villois.  on  Ajioll.  Lex.  ]>.  400.  ( )thers  supjiose 

it  to  be  a  ciqi  made  of  ivy  avooiI.  See  jHberti  on  llesych.  t.  ii.  p.  2G8. 


351—389.] 


ODYSSEY.  IX. 


125 


thou  think  any  one  else  of  many  men  would  come  to  thee 
hereafter,  since  thou  hast  not  acted  rightly?’ 

“Thus  I  spoke;  but  he  received  it  and  drank  it  off:  and 
he  was  greatly  pleased  on  drinking  the  sweet  liquor ;  and  he 
again  asked  of  me  a  second  time  :  ‘  Kindly  give  me  more,  and 
forthwith  tell  me  thy  name,  that  I  may  give  thee  a  hospita¬ 
ble  gift,  in  which  thou  mayest  rejoice.  Tor  the  fruitful  plain 
bears  for  the  Cyclops,  wine  that  is  produced  from  large  clus¬ 
ters,  and  the  shower  from  Jove  nourishes  it.  But  this  is  what 
comes  of  ambrosia  and  nectar.’ 

“Thus  he  spoke  ;  and  I  again  gave  him  dark  wine ;  thrice 
bearing  it  I  gave  it,  and  thrice  he  w  ithout  thought  quaffed  it. 
But  when  the  wine  came  about  the  mind^®  of  the  Cyclops, 
then  at  length  I  addressed  him  with  mild  words  :  ‘  O  Cy¬ 
clops,  didst  thou  ask  of  me  my  name  in  common  report  ?  I 
will  tell  thee ;  but  do  thou  give  me  a  hospitable  gift,  as  thou 
didst  promise :  Ko-man^'  is  my  name ;  my  mother,  and  my 
father,  and  all  the  rest  of  my  companions  call  me  No-man.’ 

“  Tims  I  spoke ;  but  he  again  answered  me  with  a  cruel 
mind :  ‘  No-man  I  will  eat  the  last  after  his  companions,  but 
the  others  first ;  this  indeed  shall  be  thy  hospitable  present.’ 

“  He  spoke,  and  reclining  fell  supine ;  but  then  he  lay 
slanting  his  fat  neck  ;  and  all-subduing  sleep  seized  on  him  ; 
and  the  wine  and  human  gobbets  rushed  out  of  his  throat ; 
and  he,  heavy  with  wine,  belched.  And  then  I  drove  the  bar 
under  a  great  quantity  of  cinders,  until  it  was  Avarm ;  and  I 
encouraged  all  my  companions  with  w^ords,  lest  any  one  fear¬ 
ing  should  decline  it.  But  when  the  bar  of  olive  wood  w^as 
soon  about  to  be  kindled  in  the  fire,  although  it  Avas  green,  for 
it  shone  very  much,  then  I  carried  it  near  him  from  the  fire, 
and  my  companions  stood  around  ;  but  a  deity  inspired  them 
with  great  courage.  They,  taking  the  bar  of  olive  AA'ood, 
sharp  at  the  point,  thrust  it  into  his  eye;  but  I  raised  abovo 
on  high  moved  it  round  ;  as  Avhen  any  man  bores  a  timber 
j)lank  Avith  an  auger,  but  they  beloAV,  having  bound  it  Avith  a 
thong  on  each  side,  move  it,  and  it  constantly  runs  round ; 
thus  taking  the  fire-tipped  bar  AA^e  moved  it  round  in  his  eye, 
and  the  blood  flow'ed  round  it,  being  hot.  And  the  A-apor 
burned  all  his  eye  around,  and  his  eyebroAvs,  Avhen  the  pupil 

*®  Or,  as  w'e  should  say,  “  got  to  his  head.” 

This  is  the  only  English  translation  that  presciTes  the  equivoque. 


126 


ODYSSEY.  IX. 


[390—428. 


was  burning ;  and  the  roots  crackled  with  the  lire.  And  as 
when  a  brazier  -dips  a  large  hatchet  or  axe  in  cold  water, 
sounding  greatly,  tempering  it  (for  this  is  the  strength  of  steel); 
so  his  eye  hissed  around  the  bar  of  olive  wood.  And  he 
howled  very  horribly ;  and  the  rock  resounded  about :  and 
we  fearing  hastened  away ;  but  he  drew  from  his  eye  the  bar 
polluted  with  much  blood ;  then  raving  he  threw  it  from  his 
hands.  But  he  called  loudly  to  the  Cyclops,  who  dwelt  round 
about  him  in  caves  throughout  the  windy  promontories.  And 
tliey,  having  heard  liis  voice,  came  from  different  places ;  and 
standing  around  the  cave,  inquired  what  afflicted  liim. 

“^llow,  Polyphemus,  hast  thou  so  much  hurt  thus  cried 
out  through  the  ambrosial  night,  and  made  us  sleepless"?  Is 
any  one  of  mortals  driving  away  thy  sheep  against  thy  will? 
or  is  some  one  killing  thyself  by  deceit  or  by  force  ?’  But 
tliem  strong  Polyphemus  addressed  in  turn  from  the  cave  : 
‘  O  my  friends.  No-man  kills  me  by  deceit,  and  not  by  force.’ 
And  tliey  answering  addressed  to  him  winged  words : 

“  ‘  If  indeed  no  man^®  treats  thee,  who  art  such  an  one, 
with  violence,  it  is  by  no  means  possible  to  avoid  a  disease 
from  great  Jove ;  yet  do  thou  at  least  pray  to  thy  father,^^ 
king  Neptune.’ 

“Thus  they  spoke  departing;  but  my  dear  heart  laughed, 
because  my  name  and  blameless  counsel  had  deceived  him. 
But  the  Cyclops  groaning,  and  travailing,  on  account  of  his 
)iain,  groping  with  his  hands,  took  away  the  stone  from  the 
door ;  but  he  sat  within  the  gate,  stretching  out  his  hands,  if 
by  chance  he  could  lay  hold  of  any  one  going  out  of  the  door 
witli  the  sheep ;  for  he  expected  that  1  was  thus  foolish  in 
my  mind.  But  I  consulted  how  it  would  be  the  best,  if  I 
could  discover  any  escape  from  death  for  my  companions  and 
for  mvself ;  and  I  wove  all  kinds  of  deceit  and  craft,  as  con- 
cerning  life,  for  a  great  evil  was  near  at  hand ;  and  this  coun¬ 
sel  seemed  to  me  in  my  mind  to  be  the  best. 

“The  male  sheep  were  well-nurtured,  thick-tleeced,  beauti¬ 
ful,  and  large,  having  wool  of  a  dark-violet  color:  these  I  si¬ 
lently  bound  together  with  well-twisted  osiers  (on  which  the 
Cyclops  slept,  vast,  knowing  in  lawless  things),  taking  three 

Observe  the  i)un  upon  J^o-man  and  no  man,  ovng  and  /.njng. 

^  TTUTpl  refers  to  the  fact  that  I’olyphemus  svas  the  son  of  Neptune  by 
the  nymph  Thoosa.  Cf.  i.  71,  scpi. 


429—467.] 


ODYSSEY.  IX. 


127 


together ;  the  one  in  the  middle  carried  a  man,  but  the  other 
two  went  on  each. side,  preserving  my  companions.  And 
three  sheep  carried  each  man  ;  but  1,  for  there  was  a  ram, 
far  the  best  of  all  the  cattle,  laying  hold  of  its  back,  having 
rolled  myself  round  under  its  shaggy  belly;  but  being  twisted 
firmly  with  my  hands  to  the  excellent  wool,  I  held  to  it  with 
an  enduring  mind ;  thus  then  mourning  we  awaited  the  di¬ 
vine  morning. 

“But  when  the  mother  of  dawn,  rosy-fingered  morning,  ap“ 
peared,  then  the  male  cattle  immediately  rushed  to  the  pas¬ 
ture  :  and  the  unrnilked  females  bleated  through  the  pens,  for 
their  teats  were  distended ;  but  the  master,  afflicted  with  evil 
pains,  felt  the  backs  of  all  the  sheep  which  stood  upright;  \)ut, 
foolish  one,  he  did  not  perceive  that  they-^®  were  bound  under 
the  breasts  of  the  fleecy  sheep.  The  last  ram  of  the  cattle 
was  going  out  of  the  door,  weighed  down  with  the  thick  wool, 
and  with  me  who  planned  crafty  things  ;  laying  hold  of  this, 
strong  Polyphemus  addressed  him  : 

“  ‘Dear  ram,  why  hast  thou  come  thus  the  last  of  the  cat¬ 
tle  out  of  the  cave  ?  Before  thou  by  no  means  earnest  left 
behind  by  the  sheep,  but  much  the  first  thou  didst  pasture 
upon  the  tender  flowers  of  gra.ss,  stalking  with  large  steps 
and  first  reached  the  streams  of  rivers;  and  in  the  evening 
thou  didst  desire  to  return  first  to  the  stall ;  now  on  the  con¬ 
trary  thou  art  the  last  of  all ;  dost  thou  regret  the  eye  of  thy 
master?  which  an  evil  man  has  blinded,  with  his  troublesome 
companions,  having  subdued  my  mind  with  wine.  No-man^ 
whom  I  think  has  not  yet  esca})ed  destruction.  But  if  thou 
hast  a  tliought  for  me,  and  wast  able  to  speak,  tell  me  where 
he  avoids  my  strength  ;  then  in  truth  the  brain  of  him  dashed 
here  and  tliere  through  the  cave  should  flow  on  the  ground: 
and  my  heart  would  rest  from  the  evils  which  No-man,  a  fel¬ 
low  of  no  value,  has  brought  upon  me.’ 

“'J'hus  speaking,  he  sent  away  the  ram  from  him  out  of  the 
door.  And  coming  a  little  way  from  the  cave  and  the  hall,  X 
first  loosed  myself  from  under  the  ram,  and  loosed  my  com¬ 
panions.  And  we  (juickly  drove  the  long-legged  cattle,  rich 
with  fat,  inclosing  many,  until  we  came  to  the  ship  ;  and  we, 
vvlic  had  escaped  death,  appeared  welcome  to  our  dear  com- 

The  comj){uiions  of  Ulysses. 

Or  perhaps,  aji  we  should  say,  “stepping  out  well.” 


128 


ODYSSEY.  IX. 


[468—504. 


panions ;  but  weeping  they  mourned  for  the  others.  But  I 
did  not  allow  them  to  weep,  but  I  nodded  to  each  with  my 
eyebrows  ;  and  I  ordered  them  quickly,  lifting  the  many  beau¬ 
tiful-haired  cattle  into  the  ship,  to  sail  over  the  briny  main. 
They  immediately  embarked  and  sat  down  on  the  benches, 
and  sitting  in  order  they  smote  the  hoary  sea  with  their  oars. 
But  when  I  was  so  far  distant,  as  one  makes  himself  heard 
shouting  out,  then  I  addressed  the  Cyclops  with  reproaches : 

“  ‘  O  Cyclops,  thou  wast  not  indeed  destined  to  eat  the 
companions  of  a  weak  man  in  thy  hollow  cave,  with  strong 
might.  But  truly  thou  wert  destined  to  find  thy  evil  deeds, 
thoii  cruel  one  !  Since  thou  didst  not  fear  to  eat  strangers  in 
thine  house  ;  therefore  Jove  and  the  other  gods  have  been  re¬ 
venged  upon  thee.’ 

“  Thus  I  spoke  ;  but  he  immediately  was  more  wrath  in 
his  heart ;  having  broken  off  the  top  of  a  large  mountain  he 
hurled  it,  and  threw  it  before  the  black-prowed  ship,  [and  it 
wanted  little  to  reach  the  extreme  part  of  the  rudder;]  and 
the  sea  was  disturbed  by  the  descending  rock  ;  and  a  refluent 
wave,  an  inundation  from  the  sea,  immediately  bore  the  ves¬ 
sel  toward  the  shore,  and  made  it  approach  so  as  to  reach  the 
continent.  But  I,  seizing  with  my  hands  a  long  pole,  thrust 
it  away;  and  exhorting  my  companions,  I  commanded  them 
to  lay  on  their  oars,  that  we  might  escape  from  evil,  nodding 
with  my  head  ;  and  they,  falling  forward,  rowed.  But  when 
at  length  we  were  twice^^  as  far  distant,  having  passed  over 
the  sea,  then  too  1  addressed  the  Cyclops  ;  and  my  companions 
•  around  hindered  me,  one  here,  one  there,  with  mild  words : 
‘  O  foolish  one,  why  dost  thou  wish  to  irrittite  a  fierce  man '? 
who  even  now  has  hurled  a  bolt  into  the  sea,  and  driven  our 
ship  again  to  the  shore,  and  surely  we  thought  that  we  should 
perish  there.  But  if  he  heard  any  one  speaking  or  calling 
out,  he  would  dash  our  heads  together,  and  our  ship’s  planks, 
striking  us  with  the  rough  marble  ;  for  he  throws  so  far.’ 

“Thus  they  spoke,  but  they  did  not  persuade  my  strong- 
hearted  mind,  but  I  again  addressed  him  with  wrathful  feel¬ 
ings  :  ‘  O  Cyclops,  if  any  one  of  mortal  men  should  inquire  of 
ihee  about  the  unseemly  blindness  of  thine  eye,  say  that  Ulys- 

3;:  ^^Thc  seeniiiifj  incontrniity  of  this  line  with  line  473,  is  reconciled 
by  supposing  tiiat  Ulysses  exerted  his  voice,  naturally  loud,  in  an  ex> 
traordinary  manner  on  this  second  occasion.”  Cowper. 


504—544.] 


ODYSSEY.  IX. 


129 


ses,  the  sacker  of  cities,  the  son  of  Laertes,  who  possesses  a 
house  in  Ithaca,  blinded  thee.’ 

“  Thus  I  spoke  ;  but  he  wailing  answered  me  in  discourse : 
‘  Alas,  surely  the  oracles  spoken  of  old  are  come  upon  me. 
There  was  a  certain  prophet  here,  a  good  and  great  man, 
Telemus  Eurymedes,  who  excelled  in  prophesying,  and  he 
grew  old  prophesying  among  the  Cyclops.  He  told  me  that 
all  these  things  would  hereafter  be  accomplished,  that  I  should 
be  deprived  of  my  sight  by  the  hands  of  Ulysses.  But  I  have 
been  still  expecting  that  some  large  and  beautiful  man  would 
come  here,  clad  in  mighty  strength.  But  now,  one  who  is 
little,  worth  nothing,  and  weak,  has  bereft  me  of  my  sight, 
after  he  had  subdued  me  with  wine.  But  come  hither,  Ulys¬ 
ses,  that  I  may  give  thee  hospitable  presents,  and  may  ui'ge 
illustrious  Neptune  to  give  thee  an  escort ;  for  I  am  his  son, 
and  he  professes  to  be  my  father :  but  he,  if  he  shall  be  will¬ 
ing,  will  cure  me,  nor  any  other  either  of  the  blessed  gods  or 
mortal  men.’ 

“  Thus  he  spoke  ;  but  I  answering  addressed  him  :  ‘  I  wish 
indeed  1  could  send  thee  Avithin  the  house  of  Pluto,  having 
deprived  thee  of  thy  soul  and  life ;  so  not  even  Neptune  will 
cure  thine  eye.’ 

“Thus  I  spoke;  but  he  immediately  prayed  to  king  Nep¬ 
tune,  stretching  forth  his  hands  to  the  starry  heaven:  ‘Hear 
me,  O  earth-containing,  azure-haired  Neptune,  if  I  am  truly 
thine,  and  thou  dost  profess  to  be  my  sire,  grant  that  Ulys¬ 
ses,  the  sacker  of  cities,  [the  son  of  l.iaertes,  who  .possesses  a 
house  in  Ithaca,]  may  not  reach  home.  But  if  it  is  a  destiny 
for  him  to  behold  his  friends,  and  to  come  to  his  well-built 
house,  and  his  own  paternal  land,  may  he  come  late  to  his 
-cost,  having  lost  all  his  companions,  on  a  foreign  ship,  and 
may  he  hud  calamities  in  his  home.’ 

“Thus  he  spoke  praying;  .iind  he  of  azure  hair  heard  him. 
But  he  immediately  raising  a  much  larger  stone,  sent  it  whirl¬ 
ing  it  round  ;  and  he  exerted  enormous  strength.  And  he 
hurled  it  behind  the  dark-prowed  ship,  and  it  wanted  little  to 
reach  the  extreme  part  of  the  rudder;  and  the  sea  was  dis¬ 
turbed  by  the  descending  rock.  But  it  the  wave  bore  for¬ 
ward,  and  made  it  approach  so  as  to  reach  the  continent. 
But  when  at  length  we  reached  the  island  where  the  other 
well-benched  ships  remained  together,  and  our  companions 

F  2 


130 


ODYSSEY.  IX.  [545— 5GG.  x.  1—3. 


sat  around,  weeping,  still  expecting  us,  when  we  came  there, 
we  drew  our  ship  up  on  the  sands,  and  we  ourselves  disem¬ 
barked  on  the  shore  of  the  sea.  And  taking  the  cattle  of  the 
Cyclops  from  the  hollow  ship,  we  divided  them,  so  that  no 
one  might  go  deprived  of  an  equal  share.  But  when  the 
cattle  were  being  divided,  my  weli-g)*eaved  companions  gave 
the  ram  to  me  alone,  as  an  especial  mark  of  distinction  ;  and 
sacrificing  it  on  the  shore  to  black-cloudy  Jove,  the  son  of 
Saturn,  who  rules  over  all,  1  burned  its  thighs :  but  he  re¬ 
garded  not  my  sacrifices,  but  meditated  how  all  my  well- 
benched  ships  and  my  beloved  companions  might  perish. 

“  Thus  then  during  the  whole  day  until  the  setting  sun  we 
sat  feasting  on  quantities  of  flesh  and  sweet  wine :  but  when 
the  sun  went  down,  and  darkness  came  on,  then  we  slept  on 
the  shore  of  the  sea.  But  when  the  mother  of  dawn,  rosy- 
flngered  morning,  appeared,  then  I  exhorting  my  companions 
commanded  them  to  embark,  and  to  loose  the  hawsers ;  and 
they  quickly  embarked  and  sat  down  on  the  benches.  And 
sitting  in  order  they  smote  the  hoary  sea  with  their  oars.  And 
from  thence  we  sailed  forward  sorrowing  in  our  heart,  rejoic¬ 
ing  [at  our  escape]  from  death,  having  lost  our  dear  compan¬ 
ions. 


BOOK  X. 


ARGUMENT. 

Ulysses  continues  his  narrntivc,  relating  his  arrival  at  the  island  of  ^Eolns, 
who  gave  him  the  winds  bound  up  in  a  skin ;  which  his  companions 
Tiutied,  while  he  was  asleep,  liaving  mistaken  it  for  gold ;  and  hence 
his  ships  were  driven  by  the  winds  back  to  ^Eolus,  who  rejected  him 
as  an  impious  ])erson.  He  then  tells  of  his  arrival  among  the  La'stry- 
gonians,  who  destroyed  all  his  iieet,  exce})t  his  own  ship  with  its  crew. 
Thence  he  came  to  the  island  of  Circe,  who  transformed  half  his  sailors 
into  swine;  but,  by  the  assistance  of  Mercury,  he  compelled  the  goddess 
to  restore  them  to  their  former  sha])e.  After  si)ending  a  whole  year 
with  Circe,  by  her  advice,  he  prei)arcsJ;o  go  to  the  infernal  regions. 

“And  we  arrived  at  the  iEolian  island,  and  here  dwelt 
-ZEolus,  son  of  llippotas,  dear  to  the  immortal  gods,  in  a  float¬ 
ing^  island ;  but  around  the  whole  of  it  there  is  a  brazen 

'  Or  “a  circumnavigable  island,”  which  is  ])rcferred  by  Kiccius  and 
Erncsti,  But  cf.  llcsych.  v.  ttXujti),  Herod,  ii,  12G,  Thierseh,  Gk.  Gr.  p. 


4-27.] 


ODYSSEY.  X. 


131 


wall,  not  to  be  broken  and  a  smooth  rock  runs  up  it ;  and 
twelve  children  of  him  are  born  in  his  palace ;  six  daughters, 
and  six  sons  in  full  vigor.  There  he  gave  his  daughters^  to 
be  wives  to  bis  sons.  They  always  banquet  near  their  dear 
father  and  their  good  mother ;  and  near  them  lie  many  dain¬ 
ties.  And  the  sweet-odored  dwelling  sounds  around  the  hall 
during  the  days,  and  at  nights  they  sleep  again  near  their 
chaste  wives,  on  tapestry,  and  on  compact  beds  :  and  we  came 
indeed  to  their  city  and  beautiful  houses.  And  he  entertained 
me  during  a  whole  month,  and  inquired  every  thing,  of  Ilium, 
and  the  .ships  of  the  Argives,  and  the  return  of  the  Grecians ; 
and  I  told  him  all  things  rightly.  But  when  at  length  I 
asked  for  a  journey,  and  desired  him  to  send  me,  he  did  not 
at  {dl  refuse,  but  prepared  an  escort,  and  having  skinned  a 
bladder  of  an  ox  of  nine  years  old,  he  gave  it  me,  in  which 
he  bound  the  ways  of  the  blustering^  winds;  for  the  son  of 
Saturn  made  him  the  keeper  of  the  winds,  both  to  still  and 
to  raise  whichever  he  wishes.  And  he  bound  it  in  the  hol¬ 
low  ship  with  a  shining  silver  rope,  that  not  even  a  little 
breath  might  escape.  But  for  me  he  sent  forward  the  blast 
of  the  west  wind  to  blow,  that  it  might  waft  both  my  ships 
and  ourselves.  Nor  was  he  destined^  to  accomplish  it ;  for 
we  perished  by  our  own  infatuation. 

4G3,  seems  to  prefer  tlie  common  explanation.  But  a  passage  ofDionys. 
Biereg.  461,  sqq.,  evidently  imitated  from  Homer,  favors  Ernesti’s  inter- 
j)retation,  where  he  says  that  the  iEolian  Isles  are  called  TrXwrai,  be¬ 
cause  f.dcr(Tov  txovai  TrtpirrXoov  cip^tkXiKrov,  which  Eustathius  there  ex¬ 
plains  by  on  TTEpnrXiovTai.  Cf.  De  Pinedo  on  Stejdi.  Byz.  p.  45.  Quin¬ 
tus  Calaber,  iii.  696,  sqq.,  and  xiv.  473,  sqq.,  deserves  to  be  compared 
with  Homer,  whom  he  has  imitated  with  some  success. 

^  Observe  the  force  of  dpprjicToc.  Cf.  Alsch.  Prom.  6,  tv  dppijKroic 

TTiOitlQ. 

^  Figuratively,  signifying  the  twelve  winds,  “quia  venti  facili  commis- 
centur,  ”  as  Uiccius,  p.  412,  observes.  It  may  be  well  to  observe  that 
some  authors  make  Avolus  the  son  of  Jove,  others  of  Ne])tune.  Cf.  Serv. 
on  yEn.  i.  56.  Hyginus,  Fab.  125,  Poet.  Astr.  ii.  18,  and  Pliny,  Hist, 
N.  vii.  56,  make  him  the  son  of  Hellen. 

*  The  Scholiast  explains  ^vktuiov,  that  blow  constant  1;/,  or  well-hlow- 
inp,  from  the  root  liV  (of.  Liddell  and  Scott).  I  think  there  is  a  sort  of 
mixed  sense,  —  densely  filling  the  sails,  dOpowg  Trvtovnov  kuI  ttXtjpovv^ 
Tiov  r«  icrria.  Schol.  Ambros.  Cf.  A])oll.  lili.  iii.  1327,  ftvKTCuvv  dvk- 
ficDV  fipupoQ.  In  a  MS.  Lexicon,  quoted  by  Alberti  on  Hesych.  p.  779, 
it  is  inter])reted,  “vahle  resonantium,”  like  Virgil’s  “luctantes  ventos 
tempesiatesque  sonantes,"  Mn.  i.  57. 

*  I  can  not  understand  the  dilficulties  raised  about  avrovc;  and  dvrUv 


132 


ODYSSEY.  X. 


[28— Gl. 


“For  nine  clnys  however  w'e  sailed  both  nights  and  day, 
but  on  tlie  tenth  our  paternal  fields  now  appeared,  and  w^e  at 
length  beheld  those  who  were  kindling  fires,  being  near  at 
hand.  Then  sweet  sleep  came  upon  me  wearied  ;  for  I  al- 
W'ays  guided  the  rudder  of  the  ship ;  nor  did  I  give  it  up  to 
any  other  of  my  companions,  that  we  might  more  quickly 
reach  our  paternal  land.  But  my  companions  spoke  to  one 
another  with  words,  and  said  that  I  was  taking  gold  and  sil¬ 
ver  home,  presents  from  magnanimous  ^olus,  son  of  Hippo- 
tas.  And  thus  some  one  would  speak,  looking  to  another 
who  was  near: 

“  ‘  O  gods,  how  beloved  is  he,  and  how  honored  by  all 
men,  to  whosever  city  and  land  he  comes.  He  brings  much 
beautiful  property  in  booty  from  Troy,  but  we,  having  accom¬ 
plished  the  same  journey,  are  returning  home,  having  empty 
hands.  And  now  Aiolus,  gratifying  him  on  account  of  his 
friendship,  has  given  him  tliese  things :  but  come,  let  us 
quickly  see  what  these  things  are,  how  much  gold  and  silver 
is  in  the  skin.’ 

“Thus  they  spoke  ;  and  the  evil  counsel  of  my  companions 
prevailed,  they  loosed  the  skin,  and  all  the  winds  rushed  out. 
The  storm  immediately  snatching  them  bore  them  mourning 
into  the  sea,  from  their  paternal  land :  but  1  waking,  medita¬ 
ted  in  my  blameless  mind,  whether,  falling  from  the  ship,  I 
should  perish  in  the  sea,  or  should  endure  it  in  silence,  and  still 
he  among  the  living.  But  I  endured  it,  and  remained  ;  and  I 
lay,  having  covered  myself  in  the  ship :  but  they  were  again 
borne  by  the  evil  tempest  of  the  wind  to  the  Hilolian  island  : 
and  my  companions  mourned.  There  we  went  on  shore,  and 
drew  water;  and  my  companions  immediately  took  supper 
near  the  swift  ships.  But  when  we  had  tasted  of  both  meat  j 
and  drink,  then  I,  having  chosen  both  a  herald  and  compan¬ 
ion,  went  to  the  illustrious  house  of  iEolus ;  but  him  1  found  | 
feasting  near  his  wife  and  his  children.  But  when  we  came 

(vs.  27)  in  this  passage.  The  commentators,  even  Loewe,  are  any  thing  . 
but  clear  on  the  subject.  I  think  it  simply  amounts  to  this.  In  vs.  2G,  I 
y/jrtc  re  Kai  avTovg  means,  “the  ships,  and  us  the  sailors,”  the  cognate  J 
substantive  being  supplied  from  v)jag,  as  in  Virg.  iKn.  i.  43,  “  Pallasnel 
exurcre  c/assetn  Argivum,  atque  ij>sos  ])otuit  submergere  j)onto. ”  In  vs.  1 
27,  avTMV  is  loosely  used,  because  Ulysses  speaks  of  the  conduct  of  thej 
viajority,  not  of  himself.  ■ 


01—87.] 


ODYSSEY.  X. 


133 


to  the  house,  we  sat  down  at  the  door  on  the  threshold ;  and 
they  were  astonished  in  their  mind,  and  inquired : 

‘‘  ‘How  didst  thou  come,  O  Ulysses?  what  evil  deity  has 
pressed  upon  thee?  certainly  we  sent  thee  away  carefully, 
that  thou  mightest  come  to  thy  country,  and  house,  and  wher¬ 
ever  is  agreeable  to  thee.’ 

“  Thus  they  spoke ;  but  I  addressed  them,  sorrowing  in  my 
heart.  ‘  Both  evil  companions  have  injured  me,  and  in  addi¬ 
tion  to  these,  unhappy  sleep ;  but  cure  me,  O  friends,  for  the 
power  is  with  you.’ 

“  Thus  I  spoke  soothing  them  with  mild  words ;  but  they 
became  dumb ;  and  their  father  answered  me  in  discourse : 
‘  Away  with  thee  quickly  from  the  island,  thou  vilest  of  the 
living !  for  it  is  not  lawful  for  me  to  receive  or  escort  away 
that  man,  who  indeed  is  hated  by  the  blessed  gods.  Away ; 
since  thou  art  come  hither,  hated  by  the  gods.’ 

“  Thus  having  spoken,  he  sent  me  away  from  the  house 
mourning  heavily.  And  from  thence  we  sailed  onward,  sor¬ 
rowing  in  our  heart.  But  the  mind  of  the  men  was  wearied 
by  the  ditficult  rowing,  through  our  own  folly ;  since  there  no 
longer  appeared  an  escort. 

“For  six  days  however  we  sailed  both  night  and  day; 
but  on  the  seventh  we  came  to  the  lofty  city  of  Lamos,  spa¬ 
cious^  La3Strygonia,  where  a  shepherd  on  going  in  calls  a 
shepherd,  but  he  going  out  listens.  There  a  man  who  has  no 
sleep  would  receive  double  pay;  the  one  for  feeding  herds, 
the  other  for  pasturing  white  sheep:  for  the  ways"  of  night 
and  of  day  are  near.  There  when  we  came  to  the  famous 

®  Or,  ‘‘having  a  large  gate:”  but  the  Scholiast,  “large  or  extensive, 
having  its  gates  far  apart.”  Sec  Loewe. 

’  There  is  much  ditference  of  opinioTn  respecting  this  passage :  the 
Scholiast  understands  it  “that  the  nightly  and  daily  pastures  are  near 
the  city.’’  Chapman  remarks,  “some  have  understood,  that  the  days  in 
that  region  are  long,  and  the  nights  shorty  so  that  Homer  intends,  that  the 
equinoctial  is  there  (for  how  else  is  the  course  of  day  and  night  near  or 
equal?).  But  therefore  the  niglits-man  hath  his  double  hire,  being  as 
long  about  his  charge  as  the  other ;  and  the  night  being  more  dangerous. 
And  if  the  day  were  so  long,  why  should  the  nights-man  be  preferred  in 
wages?”  Cowper  says,  “It  is  supposed  by  Eustathius,  that  the  pastures 
being  infested  by  gad-Hies  and  other  noxious  insects  in  the  daytime,  they 
drove  their  sheejj  a-field  in  the  morning,  which  by  their  wool  were  de¬ 
fended  from  them,  and  their  cattle  in  the  evening,  when  the  insects  had 
withdrawn.”  Idiis  latter  interpretation  seems  the  most  probable,  and 

has  been  followed  bv  Kiccius  and  Loewe. 

¥ 


134 


ODYSSEY.  X. 


[88—130. 


haven,  around  which  there  was  a  lofty  rock,  continual  on 
both  sides  ;  and  prominent  shores  opposite  to  one  another 
project  at  the  mouth  :  but  the  entrance  is  narrow :  there  in¬ 
deed  they  all  kept  their  ships,  rowed  on  both  sides,  within. 
They  indeed  were  bound  within  the  hollow  haven,  near  one 
another ;  for  in  it  the  wave  was  never  raised,  neither  large 
nor  small ;  for  there  was  a  white  calm  around.  But  I  alone 
kept  my  black  ship  out,  tliere  at  the  extreme  part,  having 
bound  the  cables  from  the  rock. 

“  And  I  stood,  ascending  a  rugged  promontory ;  there  in¬ 
deed  appeared  neither  the  works  of  oxen  nor  of  men,  but 
we  saw  the  smoke  only  rushing  forth  from  the  earth.  Tlien 
I  sent  forward  my  companions  to  go  on  and  inquire  what 
men  they  were,  eating  food  upon  the  earth,  choosing  two 
men,  giving  them  a  herald  as  a  third.  But  they,  having  dis¬ 
embarked,  went  the  smooth  way,  by  which  wagons  carried 
wood  to  the  city  from  the  lofty  mountains.  And  they  met  a 
damsel  before  the  city,  carrying  water,  the  strong  daughter  of 
the  Lmstrygonian  Antiphates.  She  went  down  to  the  fair¬ 
flowing  fountain  Artacia;  for  they  carried  water  from  thence 
to  the  city.  But  they  standing  near  addressed  her,  and  in¬ 
quired  of  her,  who  was  their  king,  and  over  whom  he  ruled. 
But  she  immediately  showed  the  lofty-roofed  house  of  her 
sire.  And  when  they  entered  the  illustrious  dwelling,  they 
found  the  mistress  as  mighty  as  the  summit  of  a  mountain, 
and  they  shuddered  at  her.  But  she  quickly  called  illustrious 
Antiphates,  her  husband,  from  the  forum,  who  indeed  devised 
miserable  destruction  for  them :  immediately  snatching  up 
one  of  my  companions,  lie  prepared  his  meal ;  but  the  two 
rushing  away  in  fliglit  came  to  the  ships.  Jhit  he  made  a 
clamor  through  the  city;  and  the  strong  J.imstrygonians  came 
rushing  one  after  another  in  great  numbers,  not  like  unto 
men,  but  giants ;  who  pelted  them  with  weiglity  stones  from 
the  rocks :  and  soon  an  evil  sound  arose  at  the  ships  of  the 
men  who  perished,  and  of  the  ships  broken  at  the  same  time. 
And  sticking  them  through  like  lisli,  they  carried  away  their 
sad  feast.  While  they  destroyed  those  within  the  deep  haven, 
in  the  mean  time  I,  having  drawn  my  sharp  sword  from  my 
thigh,  with  it  cut  the  cables  of  the  azure-prowed  ship.  And 
quickly  exhorting  my  conqianions,  I  ordered  them  to  throw 
themselves  upon  their  oars,  that  we  might  escape  from  evil. 


331—169.] 


ODYSSEY.  X. 


13G 


And  they  all  turned  up  the  sea  [with  their  oars]  together, 
dreading  destruction.  And  my  ship  gladly  fled  the  lofty 
rocks  into  the  sea;  but  the  others  perished  there  together 
But  from  thence  we  sailed  onward,  sorrowing  in  our  heart, 
glad  [at  our  escape]  from  death,  [but  sorry  at]  having  lost  our 
dear  companions.®  And  we  came  to  the  island  .^disea;  but 
fair-haired  Circe,  a  clever  goddess,  possessing  human  speech, 
dwelt  there,  own  sister  to  all-wise^  ^eetas ;  and  both  were 
born  from  the  Sun  who  gives  light  to  mortals,  and  from  a 
mother  Perse,  whom  Ocean  begot  as  his  daughter.  But 
tliere  we  were  led  up  on  the  shore  silently  in  the  ship  to  the 
ship-receiving  haven  ;  and  some  god  conducted  us.  There 
then  disembarking,  we  lay  two  days  and  two  nights,  consum¬ 
ing  our  mind  with  labor  and  grief  together. 

“  But  when  at  length  the  fair-haired  morn  produced  the 
third  day,  then  I,  taking  my  spear  and  sharp  sword,  quickly 
.went  up  from  the  ship  to  a  place  of  look  out,  if  by  any  means 
I  could  perceive  the  works  of  men,  and  could  hear  their  voice. 
And  I  stood,  having  ascended  a  rugged  promontory.  And 
there  appeared  to  me  smoke  from  the  wide-wayed  earth,  in 
the  palace  of  Circe,  through  the  dense  thickets  and  wood.  And 
then  I  meditated  in  my  soul  and  in  my  mind  to  go  and  in¬ 
quire,  when  I  beheld  the  black  smoke.  But  thus,  on  consid¬ 
ering,  it  seemed  to  me  to  be  better  that  I  should,  first  going 
to  the  swift  ship  and  the  shore  of  the  sea,  give  a  supper  to  my 
conipanions,  and  send  them  on  to  inquire.  But  wlien  I  was 
now  coming  near  to  the  ship  rowed  on  both  side.s,  then  some 
one  of  the  gods  pitied  me,  who  was  alone,  who  sent  a  huge 
lofty-horncd  stag  into  my  very  path  :  it  came  down  to  the 
river  from  the  pasture  in  the  wood,  to  drink  (for  already  the 
strength  of  the  sun  seized  hold  of  him) :  but  1  struck  him,  as 
he  was  going  out,  at  the  S])ine  in  the  middle  of  the  back :  and 
the  brazen  spear  passed  light  through  him  ;  and  he  fell  moan¬ 
ing  in  the  dust,  and  life  fled  away.  But  I  stepjiing  upon 
liiin,  drew  the  brazen  sjiear  out  of  the  wound  ;  again  reclining 
it  on  the  earth,  I  left  it :  but  1  drew  twigs  and  osiers,  and 
having  woven  a  well-twisted  cable  on  both  sides  as  long  as 
an  ell,  I  bound  together  the  feet  of  the  terrible  monster. 
And  I  went  to  the  black  ship,  carrying  it  across  my  neck. 

Referring  to  (iKaxhtitvoi  yrop.  ®  Sec  Loewe  on  i.  52. 

^  These  words  ai)peur  merely  to  refer  to  its  magnitude. 


13G 


OD.  SSEY  X. 


[170— 2f'. 


leaning  upon  my  spear,  since  it  was  by  no  means  possible  to 
carry  it  on  my  shoulder  with  one  hand,  for  it  was  a  very  large 
beast :  and  I  threw  it  down  before  the  ship ;  and  I  aroused 
my  companions  with  mild  words,  standing  near  each  man  : 

“  ‘  O  my  friends,  we  shall  not  yet  go  down  to  the  house  of 
Pluto,  although  grieving,  before  the  fated  day  comes  upon 
[us].  But  come,  while  there  is  meat  and  drink  in  the  switl 
ship,  let  us  be  mindful  of  food,  nor  be  wasted  with  hunger.’ 

“Thus  I  spoke;  and  they  quickly  obeyed  my  words;  and 
having  uncovered  the  stag  near  the  shore  of  the  sea,  they  ad¬ 
mired  it ;  for  it  was  a  very  large  beast.  But  when  they  were 
delighted,  beholding  it  with  their  eyes,  having  washed  their 
hands  they  get  ready  a  most  glorious  banquet.  Thus  then 
during  the  whole  day,  until  tlie  setting  sun,  we  sat  feasting 
upon  abundance  of  flesh  and  sweet  wine.  But  wlien  the  sun 
set  and  darkness  came  on,  then  we  slept  on  the  shore  of  the 
sea.  But  when  the  mother  of  dawn,  rosy-lingered  morning, 
appeared,  then  I,  having  made  an  assembly,  spoke  amoiig 
all: 

“  ‘  Hear  my  words,  O  companions,  although  suffering  evil 
things.  O  my  friends,  since  we  know  not  where  is  the  west, 
nor  where  the  morning,  nor  where  the  sun  that  gives  light  to 
mortals  descends  beneath  the  earth,  nor  where  he  rises  up 
again  ;  yet  let  us  quickly  consider,  if  there  is  still  any  coun¬ 
sel  remaining;  but  I  do  not  think  that  there  is.  For,  hav¬ 
ing  ascended  a  rugged  promontory,  I  beheld  the  island, 
around  which  the  boundless  sea  forms  a  crown  but  it  lies 
low :  and  I  saw  smoke  in  the  middle  with  mine  eyes  through 
the  dense  thickets  and  the  wood.’ 

“  Thus  I  spoke ;  but  their  dear  heart  was  broken,  when 
they  remembered  the  deeds  of  the  La3Strygonian  Antiphates, 
and  the  violence  of  the  strong-hearted^^  cannibal  Cyclops. 
And  they  wept  piercingly,  shedding  the  warm  tear.  But  there 
was  not  any  advantage  to  them’  wailing.  And  I  numbered 
all  my  well-greaved  companions  into  two  parties,  and  1  gave  a 
chieftain  to  both.  I  commanded  one  party,  and  godlike  Eu- 
ryloclius  the  other.  And  we  quickly  shook  lots  in  a  brazen 
helmet,  and  the  lot  of  magnanimous  Eurylochus  leaj)cd  out. 
And  he  hastened  to  go,  and  with  him  two-and-twenty  com¬ 
panions  weeping ;  and  they  left  us  mourning  behind.  And 

'  i.  e.  encircl'js.  An  ci)ithet  but  iiiditierently  chosen. 


210— 248  J 


ODYSSEY.  X. 


137 


they  found  the  house  of  Circe  built  in  the  woods  with  polish¬ 
ed  stones,  in  a  lofty  situation.  And  around  her  were  mount¬ 
ain  wolves,  and  lions,  which  she  herself  had  tamed,  since  she 
had  given  [them]  evil  drugs.  Nor  did  they  rush  against  the 
men,  but  they  stood  up  fawning  around  them  with  their  long 
tails.  As  when  dogs  fawn  about  their  master  when  coming 
from  a  feast,  for  he  always  brings  things  soothing  to  their 
mind.  So  the  strong-hoofed  wolves  and  lions  fawned’^ 
around  them ;  but  they  were  afraid  when  they  beheld  the 
terrible  monsters.  And  they  stood  in  the  gates  of  the  fair¬ 
haired  goddess :  and  they  heard  Circe  within  singing  with  a 
beautiful  voice,  busied  over  a  lai-ge  immortal  web :  such  as  are 
the  slender,  graceful,  and  illustrious  works  of  goddesses.  But 
Polites,  the  chief  of  men,  began  speaking  to  them,  who  was 
the  most  familiar  of  my  companions,  and  the  most  prudent: 

“  ‘  O  my  friends,  some  one  indeed  within  is  going  over  the 
great  web  and  singing  beautifully  (and  all  the  pavement 
sounds  around),  either  a  goddess  or  woman;  but  let  us  quick¬ 
ly  shout  out.’ 

‘•Thus  then  he  spoke  ;  and  they  calling  shouted  out.  And 
she  immediately  coming  out  opened  the  shining  doors  and 
calls  them  ;  but  they  all  followed  together  through  their  ig¬ 
norance  :  but  Eurylochus  remained,  thinking  that  it  was  a 
stratagem.  And  leading  them  in,  she  made  them  sit  down 
on  benches  and  thrones.  And  she  mixed  cheese  and  meal 
and  pale  honey  with  Pramnian  wine  for  them  ;  but  she  min¬ 
gled  grievous  drugs  in  the  food,  that  they  might  altogether 
forget  their  paternal  land.  But  when  she  had  given  it  and 
they  drank  it  off,  immediately  then  striking  them  with  a  rod, 
she  shut  them  up  in  styes.  But  they  had  the  heads,  and 
voice,  and  hairs,  and  body  of  swine  ;  but  their  understanding 
was  firm,  as  before.  Thus  they  weeping  were  shut  up:  but 
Circe  threw  near  them  mast  and  acorn,  and  cornel  fruit  to 
eat,  such  things  as  ground-wallowing  swine  always  eat. 
But  Eurylochus  immediately  came  to  the  swift  black  ship,  to 
tell  the  news  of  his  companions,  and  of  their  bitter  fate.  Nor 
was  he  able  to  speak  out  any  word,  although  desirous,  aflUict- 
ed  at  heart  witli  great  grief:  and  his  eyes  were  filled  witli 
tears,  and  his  mind  thought  of  mourning.  But  when  we  all 

Litemlly,  “wagged  their  tails.”  This  is  the  proper  meaning  of 
aaivHv.  Cf.  Blomf.  on  Aisch.  Pers.  97.  Dind- 


138 


ODYSSEY.  X. 


[240— 28S^ 


marveled,  inquiring  of  liim,  then  he  related  the  destruction 
of  his  other  companions. 

“  ^  We  went,  as  thou  didst  comm'and,  through  the  thickets, 
illustrious  Ulysses ;  we  found  in  the  dells  a  beautiful  house 
built  [with  polished  stones,  in  a  conspicuous  place].  And 
there  some  one,  either  goddess  or  woman,  going  over  the 
great  web,  sang  piercingly  :  but  they  calling  shouted  out : 
and  she  immediately  coining  out,  opened  the  shining  doors, 
and  invited  them  ;  and  they  all  followed  together  through 
their  ignorance  ;  but  1  remained,  thinking  that  it  was  some  de¬ 
ceit.  And  they  all  vanished  together,  nor  did  any  one  of  them 
appear  without ;  but  sitting  down  I  watched  a  long  time.’ 

“Thus  he  spoke;  but  I  girt  my  silver-hilted  sword  around 
my  shoulders,  large,  of  brass  ;  and  my  bow  around  me.  And 
I  immediately  commanded  him  to  lead  the  same  way.  But 
he  laying  hold  of  my  knees  with  both  his  hands  entreated  me, 
[and  lamenting  addressed  to  me  winged  words] : 

“  ‘  Do  not  take  me  there  against  ray  will,  O  thou  nourish¬ 
ed  of  Jove,  but  leave  me  here.  For  I  know  tjiat  neither 
tliOLi  thyself  wilt  come  back,  nor  wilt  thou  bring  any  other 
of  thy  companions :  but  let  us  quickly  fly  with  these ;  for  yet 
we  may  escape  the  evil  day.’ 

“Tlius  he  spoke;  but  I  answering  addressed  him:  ‘O 
Eurylochus,  do  thou  then  remain  here  in  this  place  eating 
and  drinking  near  the  hollow  black  ship:  but  1  will  go,  for 
strong  necessity  comes  upon  me.’ 

“  Thus  having  spoken,  I  went  up  from  the  ship  and  the 
sea.  But  when  1  was  just  going  near  the  sacred  dells,  about 
to  reach  the  great  dwelling  of  Circe  skilled  in  many  drugs, 
there  golden  wanded  JMercury  met  me  as  1  was  coming  to  the 
house,  like  unto  a  young  man  having  the  first  down  on  his 
cheek,  whose  youth  is  most  graceful ;  and  he  laid  hold  of  my 
hand,  and  spoke  and  addressed  me  : 

“  ^  Where  thus,  wretched  one,  art  thou  going  alone,  to  no 
purpose,  through  the  wolds, being  unacquainted  with  the 
])lace?  but  those  thy  companions  are  shut  up  in  Circe’s  house, 
like  swine  possessing  many  hiding-places.  Whether  dost  thou 
come  hither  to  loose  them?  1  do  not  think  that  tliou  wilt 
thyself  return,  but  thou  wilt  remain  there  where  the  others  do. 

“  For  tliis  rendering  of  uKpiag  I  am  indebted  to  the  old  prose  trans¬ 
lator. 


28G--a27. 1 


ODYSSEY.  X. 


139 


But  come  now,  I  will  free  thee  and  preserve  thee  from  evils : 
take  this  excellent  drug,  and  keeping  it,  go  to  the  house  of 
Circe,  the  power  of  which  will  ward  off*  the  evil  day  from  you. 
And  I  will  tell  you  all  the  cunning  tricks  of  Circe.  She  will 
prepare  a  mixture  for  you,  and  will  put  drugs  in  the  food. 
I3ut  not  even  thus  will  she  be  able  to  charm  you ;  for  the  ex¬ 
cellent  drug  which  I  will  give  you,  will  not  permit  it;  but  I 
will  tell  you  every  thing.  When  Circe  strikes  you  with  a 
long  rod,  then  do  thou  draw  thy  sharp  sword  from  thy  thigh, 
and  rush  at  Circe,  as  if  desirous  to  kill  her.  But  she  crouch¬ 
ing  in  fear  will  exhort  thee  to  lie  down  :  then  do  thou  no  lon¬ 
ger  refuse  the  bed  of  the  goddess,  that  she  may  loose  your  com¬ 
panions  and  convey  thee  back  thyself:  but  exhort  her  to  swear 
a  great  oath  of  the  blessed  gods,  that  she  will  not  plan  any  other 
evil  harm  for  thee,  nor  make  thee  naked,  weak,  and  unmanly.’ 

“Thus  having  spoken,  the  Argus-slayer  gave  me  the  rem¬ 
edy,  pulling  it  out  of  the  earth,  and  he  showed  me  its  nature. 
It  was  black  in  the  root,  and  its  flower  was  like  unto  milk  ; 
and  the  gods  call  it  Molu ;  but  it  is  diflicult  for  mortal  men 
to  dig  up ;  but  the  gods  are  able  to  do  every  thing.  Then 
Mercury  departed  to  great  Olympus,  through  the  woody  isl¬ 
and:  but  I  went  to  the  house  of  Circe  ;  and  my  heart  planned 
many  things  as  I  went.  And  I  stood  at  the  gate  of  the  fair- 
haired  goddess ;  there  standing  I  called  out,  and  the  goddess 
heard  my  voice.  She  immediately  coming  out,  opened  the 
shining  doors,  and  invited  me :  but  I  followed  sorrowing  in 
my  heart.  And  leading  me  in,  she  made  me  sit  down  on  a 
silver-studded  throne,  beautiful,  variegated,  and  beneath  my 
feet  was  a  footstool.  And  she  prepared  a  mixture  for  me  in 
a  golden  cup,  that  I  might  drink  ;  and  she  put  the  drug  in  it, 
meditating  evil  things  in  her  mind.  But  when  she  gave  it 
me,  and  I  drank  it  off,  she  di  1  not  soothe  mo  any  more ; 
striking  me  with  a  rod,  she  spoke  and  said,  ‘Go  now. to  the 
sty,  lie  with  thine  other  companions.’ 

“Thus  she  spoke;  but  I,  having  drawn  my  sharp  sword 
from  my  thigh,  rushed  at  Circe,  as  desiring  to  kill  lier.  But 
she,  crying  out  loudly,  ran  under,  and  laid  hold  of  my  knees, 
and  lamentino;  addressed  to  me  winged  words  : 

“  ‘  Who  art  thou  ?  from  whence  among  men  ?  where  are 
thy  city  and  parents?  Astonishment  possesses  me,  that  thou 
wast  not  soothed,  drinking  these  drugs.  For  not  yet  has  any 


140 


ODYSSEY.  X. 


[328— 37  U 


other  man  sustained  these  drugs,  whoever  shall  liave  drunk 
them,  and  they  shall  have  first  passed  his  lips  :  [but  thou 
hast  some  mind  in  thy  breast  which  can  not  be  charmed.] 
Art  thou  Ulysses  with  many  turns,  whom  the  golden-wanded 
Argicide  always  told  me  would  come,  as  he  was  returning 
from  Troy  in  a  swift  black  ship?  But  come  now,  place  thy 
sword  in  the  sheath,  and  then  we  will  ascend  my  bed,  that  be¬ 
ing  mixed  in  the  bed  and  in  love,  we  may  trust  in  one  another.’ 

Thus  she  spoke,  but  I  answering  addressed  her :  ‘  O 

Circe,  how  dost  thou  command  me  to  be  mild  to  thee,  who 
hast  made  my  companions  swine  in  thy  palace  ?  But  detain¬ 
ing  me  here,  planning  deceit  dost  thou  command  me  to  go  to 
thy  chamber,  and  to  ascend  thy  bed,  that  thou  mayest  mitke 
me  naked,  weak,  and  unmanly  ?  I  would  not  be  willing  to 
ascend  thy  bed  unless  thou  wouldst  endure,  O  goddess,  to 
swear  a  great  oath  to  me,  that  thou  wilt  not  devise  any  other 
evil  harm  against  me.’ 

“Thus  1  spoke;  and  she  immediately  swore,  as  I  com¬ 
manded:  but  when  she  had  sworn  and  confirmed  the  oath, 
then  I  ascended  the  beautiful  bed  of  Circe. 

“  And  four  handmaidens,  who  are  her  servants  in  the  house, 
were  busy  in  the  palace.  But  they  indeed  were  sprung  from 
the  fountains  and  from  the  groves,  and  from  the  sacred  rivers, 
which  flow  forth  into  the  sea.  One  of  them  threw  beauti 
ful  blankets  up  on  the  thrones,  purple  above,  but  under  she 
put  beautiful  linen  :  another  extended  silver  tables  before  the 
thrones,  and  set  upon  them  golden  dishes:  a  third  mixed 
sweet  honeyed  wine  in  a  silver  bowl,  and  distributed  golden 
cups:  but  the  fourth  carried  water,  and  lighted  a  great  fire 
under  a  large  tripod  ;  and  the  water  was  warmed.  But  when 
the  water  boiled  in  the  shining  brass,  having  put  me  in  ?. 
bath,  she  washed  me  from  the  large  trijiod,  pouring  [water] 
pleasantly  over  my  head  and  shoulders,  until  she  took  away 
from  my  limbs  mind-destroying  labor;  but  when  she  had 
both  washed  me  and  anointed  me  with  rich  oil,  she  threw  a 
beautiful  cloak  and  garment  around  me,  and  leading  me  in, 
seated  me  on  a  silver-studded  throne,  beautiful,  variegated; 
and  a  footstool  was  under  my  feet.  [But  a  handmaiden 
bringing  water  in  a  beautiful  golden  ewer,  })oured  it  over  a 
silver  caldron,  to  wash  in  :  and  she  spread  a  polished  table 
near.  But  the  venerable  housekeeper  bringing  food  placed  it 


372—410.] 


ODYSSEY.  X. 


141 


near  me.  putting  ort  many  dainties,  gratifying  us  as  well  as 
she  could  from  the  stores  at  hand.]  And  she  ordered  me  to 
eat,  but  it  did  not  please  my  mind :  but  I  sat  thinking  upon 
other  things,  and  my  mind  brooded  upon  evils:  but  Circe, 
when  she  perceived  me  sitting  down,  and  not  stretching  out 
my  hands  for  food,  but  having  violent  grief  in  my  mind,  stand¬ 
ing  near,  she  spoke  winged  words : 

“  ‘  Why  thus,  O  Ulysses,  dost  thou  sit  down  like  unto  one 
that  is  dumb,  consuming  thy  mind  ?  and  dost  not  touch  food, 
or  drink  ?  dost  thou  think  of  some  other  stratagem It  is  no 
longer  fit  that  thou  shouldst  fear ;  for  I  have  already  sworn 
a  strong  oath.’ 

“  Thus  she  spoke  ;  but  I  in  answer  addressed  her :  ‘  O 
Circe,  what  man,  who  is  just,  would  endure  to  taste  food  and 
drink,  before  he  had  redeemed  his  companions,  and  beheld 
them  with  his  eyes?  But  if  indeed  thou  dost  kindly  com¬ 
mand  me  to  drink  and  to  eat,  loose  them,  that  I  may  behold 
my  beloved  companions  with  my  eyes.’ 

“  Thus  I  spoke  ;  and  Circe  went  out  from  the  palace,  hold¬ 
ing  a  rod  in  her  liand,  and  she  opened  the  gates  of  the  sty, 
and  drove  them  out,  like  unto  swine  of  nine  years  old.  They 
then  stood  opposite  :  but  she  going  through  them,  anointed 
each  with  another  drug.  And  the  hairs  fiowed  down  from 
their  limbs,  which  the  pernicious  poison,  which  venerable 
Circe  gave  them,  had  before  produced :  and  they  quickly  be¬ 
came  younger  men  than  they  were  before,  and  much  finer  and 
mightier  to  behold.  But  they  knew  me,  and  each  clung  to 
me  with  their  hands.  And  delightful  mournings  came  upon 
all,  and  resounded  greatly  through  the  house :  and  even  the 
goddess  herself  pitied  us :  and  the  divine  one  of  goddesses 
standing  near  me  addressed  [me] : 

“  ‘O  noble  son  of  Laertes,  much-contriving  Ulysses,  now 
go  to  the  swift  shi}),  and  to  the  shore  of  the  sea:  first  of  all 
di’aw  ye  your  shi[)  to  the  shore,  and  lay  up  your  possessions 
jind  all  your  arms  in  caves:  and  do  thou  thyself  come  back, 
and  bring  thy  beloved  companions.’ 

“  4'hus  she  spoke  ;  but  my  noble  mind  was  persuaded  ;  and 
I  hastened  to  the  swift  ship,  and  tlie  shore  of  the  sea  ;  then  I 
found  my  beloved  companions  at  the  swift  ship,  lamenting 
miserably,  shedding  the  warm  tear.  And  as  wlicn  tield-dwell- 
ing  calves  all  skip  together  opposite,  around  cows  of  the  herd, 


142 


ODYSSEY.  X. 


cm— 4ol. 


when  they  come  to  the  dung-heap,  after  they  have  been  satis- 
tied  with  pasture  ;  nor  did  the  stalls  any  longer  contain  them, 
but  continually  lowing,  they  run  about  their  mothers  ;  so  they, 
when  they  beheld  me  with  their  eyes,  weeping  were  poured 
around  me :  and  their  mind  seemed  to  be  in  tlie  same  state 
as  though  they  had  come  to  their  country  and  their  city  of 
rough  Ithaca,  where  they  were  nurtured  and  were  born.  And 
lamenting,  they  addressed  to  me  winged  words :  ‘  We  so  re¬ 
joice  at  thy  return,  O  noble  one,  as  if  we  had  come  to  our 
paternal  land,  Ithaca  :  but  come,  relate  the  death  of  our  other 
companions.’ 

“  Tims  they  spoke ;  but  I  addressed  them  with  words  : 
‘  First  of  all  let  us  draw  the  ship  to  the  sliore,  and  let  us  lay 
up  our  possessions  and  all  our  arms  in  the  caves :  and  do  ye 
all  together  hasten  to  follow  me,  that  ye  may  sec  your  com¬ 
panions,  drinking  and  eating  in  the  sacred  house  of  (:^rce  :  for 
they  have  abundance.’ 

“  Thus  I  spoke  ;  but  they  quickly  obeyed  my  words  :  but 
Furylochus  alone  detained  all  my  companions,  [and  address¬ 
ing  them,  spoke  winged  words]  : 

“  ‘  Ah  wretched  ones,  where  shall  we  go?  why  do  ye  long 
for  these  evils,  to  go  down  to  the  palace  of  Circe?  who  will 
make  us  all  either  swine,  or  wolves,  or  lions  ;  who  must  guard 
her  great  house,  even  by  necessity.  So  also  the  Cyclops  did, 
when  our  companions  came  to  his  abode,  and  bold  Ulysses 
followed  with  them :  for  they  also  perished  through  his  infat¬ 
uation.’ 

“  Thus  he  spoke  ;  but  I  meditated  in  my  mind,  drawing 
my  long  sword  from  my  stout  thigh,  having  cut  off  his  head, 
to  throw  it  to  the  ground,  although  he  was  very  near  to  mo 
in  kindred  but  my  companions  one  with  another  restrain¬ 
ed  me  with  gentle  words :  ‘  O  noble  one,  let  us  leave  him,  if 
thou  desirest  it,  to  remain  here  near  the  ship  and  to  guard 
the  ship.  l>ut  do  thou  lead  us  to  the  sacred  dwelling  of 
Circe.’ 

“  Thus  having  spoken,  they  went  up  from  the  ship  and  the 
sea.  Nor  was  Furylochus  left  at  the  hollow  ship,  but  he  fol¬ 
lowed ;  for  he  feared  my  terrible  threat.  But  in  the  mean 
lime  Circe  had  carefully  washed  and  anointed  with  rich  oil 
my  other  companions  in  her  house  ;  and  she  threw  woolen 
Eurylochus  had  married  Ktirnene,  sister  of  Ulvsso.s. 


452—491.] 


ODYSSEY.  X. 


143 


cloaks  around  them  and  garments  ;  and  we  found  them  all 
banqueting  in  the  palace.  But  when  they  beheld  one  anoth¬ 
er,  and  thought  of  all  things,  they  wept  mourning,  and  the 
house  resounded  with  groans  on  all  sides.  And  she,  the  di¬ 
vine  one  of  goddesses,  standing  near  me  addressed  [me] : 

“‘O  noble  son  of  Laertes,  much-contriving  Ulysses,  no 
more  now  excite  fresh  mourning ;  even  I  myself  know  both 
what  griefs  thou  hast  suffered  in  the  fishy  sea,  and  what 
harms  hostile  men  have  done  to  thee  on  the  shore.  But  come, 
eat  food  and  drink  wine,  until  thou  again  receivest  thy  mind 
in  thy  breast,  such  as  when  first  thou  didst  leave  thy  paternal 
land  of  rugged  Ithaca:  but  now  thou  art  wearied*^  and  spirit¬ 
less,  ever  mindful  of  thy  severe  wanderings :  nor  is  thy  mind 
ever  in  joyfulness  since  thou  hast  sufiered  very  many  things.’ 

“Thus  she  spoke;  but  our  noble  mind  was  immediately 
persuaded.  There  we  sat  all  the  days  for  a  full  year,  feast¬ 
ing  upon  abundance  of  flesh  and  sweet  wine:  but  when  it 
was  now  a  year,  and  the  seasons  turned  round  [the  months 
waning,  and  the  long  days  were  brought  round  to  a  conclu¬ 
sion],  then  my  beloved  companions  calling  me  out,  spoke ; 

“  ‘  Wretched  one,  now  at  length  be  mindful  of  thy  paternal 
land,  if  it  is  foretold  for  thee  to  be  saved,  and  reach  thy  lofty- 
roofed  house,  and  thine  own  paternal  land.’ 

[“Thus  they  spoke;  but  my  noble  mind  was  persuaded. 
Thus  then  we  sat  dining  the  whole  day  until  sunset,  feasb 
ing  upon  abundance  of  flesh  and  sweet  wine :  but  when  the 
sun  set  and  darkness  came  on,  they  slept  in  the  shadowy 
palace.]  But  I,  having  ascended  the  beautiful  bed  of  Circe, 
besought  her  at  her  knees ;  and  the  goddess  heard  my  voice, 
and  addressing  her,  I  S[)oke  winged  words : 

“  ‘  O  Cii  •ce,  perform  for  me  the  promise,  which  thou  didst 
promise,  that  thou  wouldst  send  me  home  ;  for  my  mind 
now  urges  me,  and  that  of  my  other  beloved  companions,  who 
waste  away  my  dear  heart,  mourning  ai’ound  me,  when  thou 
indeed  dost  happen  to  be  at  a  distance.’ 

“  Thus  I  spoke ;  but  she,  tlie  divine  one  of  goddesses,  im¬ 
mediately  ansAvered  me  :  ‘  O  noble  son  of  Laertes,  much-con¬ 
triving  Ulysses,  do  not  ye  any  longer  remain  in  my  house 
against  your  will.  But  ye  must  lirst  perform  anotiier  voy¬ 
age,  and  tome  to  the  house  of  Ifluto  and  awful  Proserpine, 

Literally,  parched,  dry. 


16 


144 


ODYSSEY.  X. 


[402—520. 


to  consult  the  soul  of  Theban  Tiresias,  a  blind  prophet,  whose 
mind  is  firm :  to  him  even  when  dead  Proserpine  has  given 
understanding,  alone  to  be  prudent ;  but  the  rest  flit^'^  about 
as  shades.’ 

“  Thus  she  spoke  ;  but  my  dear  heart  was  broken ;  and  I 
sat  down  on  the  bed  and  wept,  nor  did  my  mind  wish  to  live 
any  longer  and  behold  the  light  of  the  sun.  But  when  I  n  as 
satiated  with  weeping  and  rolling  about,  then  answering  her 
with  words  I.  addressed  her : 

‘‘ ‘  O  Circe,  who  will  conduct  me  on  this  voyage?  no  one 
has  yet  come  to  Pluto’s  in  a  black  ship.’ 

‘‘  Thus  I  spoke ;  but  she,  the  divine  one  of  goddesses,  im¬ 
mediately  answered  me:  ‘O  noble  son  of  Laertes,  much-con¬ 
triving  Ulysses,  let  not  the  desire  of  a  guide  for  thy  ship  be 
at  all  a  care  to  thee :  but  having  erected  the  mast,  and  spread 
out  the  white  sails,  git  down  :  and  let  the  blast  of  the  north 
wind  carry  it.  But  when  thou  shalt  have  passed  through  the 
ocean  in  thy  ship,  where  is  the  easy-dug^®  shore,  and  the  groves 
of  Proserpine,  and  tall  poplars,  and  fruit-destroying  willows, 
there  draw  up  thy  ship  in  the  deep-eddying  ocean,  and  do  thou 
thyself  go  to  the  spacious  house  of  Pluto.  Here  indeed  both 
Pyriphlegethon  and  Cocytus,^^  which  is  a  stream  from  the 
water  of  Styx,  flow  into  Acheron,  and  there  is  a  rock,  and 
the  meeting  of  two  loud-sounding  rivers.  There  then,  O 
hero,  approaching  near  as  I  command  thee,  dig  a  trench,  the 
width  of  a  cubit  each  way :  and  pour  around  it  libations  to 
all  the  dead,  first  with  mixed  honey,  then  with  sweet  wine, 
again  the  third  time  with  water  and  sprinkle  white  meal 

'''  oi(T(T(o  is  properly  used  of  the  Avaiidering,  uncertain  motion  of  ghosts. 
So  Eur.  liec.  31. 

I  can  not  profess  myself  satisfied  with  this  intcrju'ctation  of  Xdxfict, 
which  was  a  doubtful  word  in  the  days  of  Eustathius.  (See  on  Od.  ix. 
IIG.)  Probably  we  should  read  iXdxiia  in  this  passage  also.  Cf.  intpp. 
Hesych.  t.  i.  p.  11G5,  sq.  t.  ii. }).  435.  Villois.  on’Apoll.  Lex.  s.  v. 

Milton,  Par.  Lost,  ii.  577: 

“Abhorred  Styx,  the  flood  of  deadly  hate; 

Sad  Acheron  of  sorrow,  black  and  decj) ; 

Cocytus,  named  of  lamentation  loud 

Heard  on  the  rueful  stream;  fierce  Phlegethon, 

Whose  waves  of  torrent  lire  iiiHame  with  rage.'' 

On  these  lustrations  to  the  dead,  see  my  notes  on  iEsch.  Pers.  pp. 
72,  83,  ed.  Holm,  and  on  Soph.  tEd  Col.  vs.  IMh),  do. 


520— 5G1.] 


ODYSSEY.  X. 


Ho 


over  it.  And  entreat  inncli  the  powerless  heads  of  the  dead, 
[promising,  that]  wlien  thou  comest  to  Ithaca,  thou  wilt  offer 
up  in  thj  palace  a  barren  heifer,  whichever  is  the  best,  and 
wilt  till  the  pyre  with  excellent  things;  and  that  thou  wilt 
sacrifice  separately  to  Tiresias  alone  a  black  sheep  all-black, 
which  excels  among  thy  sheep.  But  when  thou  shaU  have 
entreated  the  illustrious  nations  of  the  dead  with  prayers,  then 
Bacritice  a  male  sheep  and  a  black  female,  turning  toward  Ere- 
l)us,  and  do  thou  thyself  be  turned  away  at  a  distance,  going 
toward  the  streams  of  the  river ;  but  there  many  souls  of 
those  gone  dead  will  come.  Then  immediately  exhort  thy 
companions,  and  command  them,  having  skinned  the  sheep 
which  lie  there  slain  with  the  unpitying  brass,  to  burn  them, 
and  to  invoke  the  gods,  both  mighty  Pluto  and  dread  Proser- 
})ine.  And  do  thou,  having  drawn  thy  sharp  sword  from  thy 
thigh,  sit  down,  nor  suffer  the  powerless  heads  of  the  dead  to 
go  near  the  blood,  before  thou  inquirest  of  Tiresias.  There 
the  prophet  will  immediately  come  to  thee,  O  leader  of  the  peo¬ 
ple,  who  will  tell  to  thee  the  voyage  and  the  measures  of  the 
way,  and  thy  return,  how  thou  inayest  go  over  the  fishy  sea.’ 

“Thus  she  spoke;  and  the  golden-throned  morn  immedi¬ 
ately  came.  And  she  put  a  cloak  around  me,  and  a  tunic,  as 
garments.  But  the  Nymph  herself  put  on  a  large  white  vail, 
slender  and  graceful,  and  around  her  loins  she  threw  a  girdle, 
beautiful,  of  gold  ;  and  she  put  a  head-dress  on  her  head. 
i)Ut  I,  going  through  the  house,  incited  my  companions  with 
mild  words,  standing  near  each  man  :  ‘No  longer  now  slum¬ 
bering  crop  the  flower  of  sweet  sleep  :  but  let  us  go  ;  for  now 
venerable  Circe  has  counseled  me.’ 

“Thus  1  spoke;  and  their  noble  mind  was  persuaded:  nor 
even  from  thence  did  I  lead  away  my  companions  unharmed, 
for  there  was  a  certain  Elpenor,  the  youngest,  not  very  cour¬ 
ageous  ill  war,  nor  proper  in  his  understanding,  who,  heavy 
with  wine,  lay  down,  desiring  coolness  at  a  distance  from  his 
companions  in  the  house  of  Circe  :  but  having  heard  the  noise 
and  bustle  of  his  companions  moving,  he  rushed  up  on  a  sud¬ 
den,  and  forgot  in  his  mind  to  descend  backward,  when  lie 
came  to  a  long  ladder ;  but  he  fell  straight  down  from  the 
roof ;  and  his  neck  was  broken  from  the  vertebra3,  and  his 
soul  went  down  to  Hades.  And  I  spoke  words  to  them  when 
they  came : 


a 


146 


ODYSSEY.  XL  [562—574.  xi.  1—17. 


“  ‘  Ye  think  perhaps  that  ye  will  come  home  to  your  dear 
paternal  land,  but  Circe  has  showed  to  us  another  way,  to  the 
houses  of  Pluto  and  severe  Proserpine,  to  consult  the  soul  of 
Theban  Tiresias.’ 

“  Thus  I  spoke ;  but  their  dear  heart  was  broken  :  and  sit¬ 
ting  down  they  wept  there,  and  tore  their  hair.  But  there 
was  not  any  advantage  to  them  wailing. 

‘‘But  when  now  we  went  sorrowing  to  the  swift  ship  and 
^he  shore  of  the  sea,  shedding  the  warm  tear ;  in  the  mean 
time  Circe,  going  to  the  black  ship,  bound  to  it  a  male  sheep, 
and  a  black  female,  easily  escaping  our  notice ;  for  who  could 
see  with  his  eyes  a  god  who  was  unwilling,  going  either  here 
or  there  ? 


BOOK  XI. 


ARGUMENT. 

Ulysses  describes  his  voyage  to  the  infernal  regions,  his  intemew  with 
Tiresias  respecting  liis  own  and  companions’  safety ;  the  heroes  and 
heroines  he  saw  in  Hades,  and  among  others  his  mother,  and  some  of 
tlie  chiefs  who  had  died  while  fighting  with  him  at  Troy. 

“  But  when  we  were  come  down  to  the  ship  and  the  sea,  we 
first  of  all  drew  the  ship  into  the  divine  sea;  and  we  placed 
a  mast  and  sails  in  the  black  ship.  And  taking  the  sheep  we 
put  them  on  board ;  and  we  ourselves  also  embarked  griev¬ 
ing,  shedding  the  warm  tear.  And  fair-haired  Circe,  an  aw¬ 
ful  goddess,  possessing  human  speech,^  sent  behind  our  dark- 
blue-prowed  ship  a  moist  wind  that  filled  the  sails,  an  excel¬ 
lent  companion.  And  we  sat  down,  making  use  of  each  of 
the  instruments  in  the  ship ;  and  the  wind  and  the  pilot  di¬ 
rected  it.  And  the  sails  of  it  passing  over  the  sea  were 
stretched  out  the  whole  day ;  and  the  sun  set,  and  all  the 
ways  were  overshadowed.  And  it  reached  the  extreme 
boundaries  of  the  deep-flowing  ocean  ;  wliere  are  the  people 
and  city  of  the  Cimmerians,  covered  witli  shadow  and  va¬ 
por,  nor  docs  the  shining  sun  behold  them  with  his  beams, 
rieiilier  when  he  goes  toward  tlie  starry  heaven,  nor  when  he 

'  See  on  v.  334. 

^  Diiport,  Gnom.  Horn.  p.  204,  com})ares  the  proverb,  “comes  pra 
rehiculo.” 


18— 5G.] 


ODYSSEY.  XI. 


147 


turns  back  again  from  heaven  to  earth  ;  but  pernicious  night 
is  spread  over  hapless  mortals.  Having  come  there,  we  drew 
up  our  ship  ;  and  we  took  out  the  sheep ;  and  we  ourselves 
went  again  to  the  stream  of  the  ocean,  until  we  came  to  the 
place  which  Circe  mentioned.  There  Perimedes  and  Eury- 
lochus  made  sacred  offerings  ;  but  I,  drawing  my  sharp  sword 
from  my  thigh,  dug  a  trench,  the  width  of  a  cubit  each  way ; 
and  around  it  we  poured  libations  to  all  the  dead,  first  with 
mixed  honey,  then  with  sweet  wine,  again  a  third  time  with 
water ;  and  I  sprinkled  white  meal  over  it.  And  I  much 
besought  the  unsubstantial  heads  of  the  dead,  [promising, 
thatj  when  I  came  to  Ithaca,  I  would  offer  up  in  my  palace 
a  barren  heifer,  whichever  is  the  best,  and  would  fill  a  pyre 
with  excellent  things ;  and  that  I  would  sacrifice  separately 
to  Tiresias.  alone  a  sheep  all  black,  which  excels  among  our 
sheep. 

“  But  when  I  had  besought  them,  the  nations  of  the  dead, 
with  vows  and  prayers,  then  taking  the  sheep,  I  cut  off  their 
heads  into  the  trench,  and  the  black  blood  flowed :  and  the 
souls  of  the  perished  dead  were  assembled  forth  from  Erebus, 
[betrothed  girls  and  youths,  and  much-enduring  old  men,  and 
tender  virgins,  having  a  newly-giieved  mind,  and  many  Mars- 
renowned  men  wounded  with  brass-tipped  spears,  possessing 
gore-smeared  arms,  who,  in  great  numbers,  were  wandering 
about  the  trench  on  different  sides  with  a  divine  clamor  : 
and  pale  fear  seized  upon  me.]  Then  at  length  exhorting 
my  companions,  I  commanded  them,  having  skinned  the  sheep 
which  lay  there,  slain  with  the  cruel  brass,  to  burn  them,  and 
to  invojve  the  gods,  both  Pluto  and  dread  Proserpine.  But 
I,  having  drawn  my  sharp  sword  from  my  thigh,  sat  down, 
nor  did  I  suffer  the  powerless  heads  of  the  dead  to  draw  nigh 
the  blood,  before  I  inquired  of  Tiresias.  And  first  the  soul 
of  my  companion  Elpenor  came  ;  for  he  Avas  not  yet  buried 
beneath  the  wide-wayed  earth ;  for  Ave  left  his  body  in  the 
palace  of  Circe  unwept  for  and  unburied, ^  since  another  toil 
[then]  urged  us.  Beholding  him,  I  Avept,  and  pitied  him  in 
my  mind,  and  addressing  him,  spoke  Avinged  words  :  “  O  El- 

^  It  is  a  well-known  superstition,  that  the  f^hosts  of  the  dead  were  sup¬ 
posed  to  wander  as  long  us  they  remained  unburied,  and  were  not  suf¬ 
fered  to  mingle  with  the  other  dead.  Cf.  Virg.  TIhi.  vi.  32.5,  sqq. ;  Lu- 
ean.  i.  1 1  ;  Eur.  llee.  30 ;  Fhocylid.  Vuoj/i.  OG  ;  Heliodor.  Tl'ith.  ii.  |>.  (»7. 


ODYSSEY.  XL 


118 


[57' '-94. 


pcnor,  how  didst  thou  come  under  the  dark  west  ?  Thou  hast 
come  sooner,  being  on  foot,  than  I  with  a  black  ship.’ 

“  Thus  I  spoke  ;  but  he  groaning  answered  me  in  discourse, 

O  Jove-born  son  of  Laertes,  much-contriving  Ulysses,]  the 
evil  destiny  of  the  deity  and  the  abundant  wine  hurt  me.  Ly¬ 
ing  down  in  the  palace  of  Circe,  I  did  not  think  to  go  down 
backward,  having  come  to  the  long  ladder,  but  I  fell  down¬ 
ward  from  the  roof;  and  my  neck  was  broken  from  the  ver¬ 
tebra^.,  and  my  soul  descended  to  Hades.  Now,  I  entreat  thee 
by  those  who  are  [left]  behind,  and  not  present,  by  thy  wife 
and  father,  who  nurtured  thee  when  little,  and  Telemachus, 
whom  thou  didst  leave  alone  in  thy  palace  ;  for  I  know,  that 
going  hence  from  the  house  of  Pluto,  thou  wilt  moor  thy  well- 
wrought  ship  at  the  island  of  :  there  then,  O  king,  1  ex¬ 
hort  thee  to  be  mindful  of  me,  nor,  when  thou  departest,  leave 
me  behind,  unwept  for,  unburied,  going  at  a  distance,  lest  I 
should  become  some  cause  to  thee  of  the  wrath  of  the  gods : 
but  burn  me  with  whatever  arms  are  mine,  and  build  on  the 
shore  of  the  hoary  sea^  a  monument  for  me,  a  wretched  man, 
to  be  heard  of  oven  by  posterity ;  perform  these  things  for  me, 
and  fix  upon  the  tomb  the  oar  with  which  I  rowed  while  alive, 
being  with  my  companions.’ 

“  Thus  he  spoke  ;  but  I  answering  addressed  him  :  ‘  O 
wi  etched  one,  I  will  perform  and  do  these  things  for  thee.’ 

“Thus  we  sat  answering  one  another  with  bitter  words ;  I 
indeed  holding  my  sword  otf  over  the  blood,  but  the  image  of 
my  companion  on  the  other  side  spoke  many  things.  And 
afterward  there  came  on  the  soul  of  my  deceased  mother,  An- 
tick>a,  daughter  of  magnanimous  Autolycus,  whom  I  left  alive, 
on  going  to  sacred  Ilium.  1  indeed  wept  beholding  her,  and 
})itied  her  in  my  mind;  but  not  even  thus,  although  grieving 
very  much,  did  I  sutler  her  to  go  forward  near  to  the  blooil, 
before  1  impiircd  of  Tiresias.  Put  at  length  the  soul  of  The¬ 
ban  Tiresias  came  on,  holding  a  golden  sceptre,  but  me  he 
knew  and  addressed: 

“  ‘  [O  Jove-born  son  of  Laertes,]  why,  O  wretched  one, 
leaving  the  light  of  the  sun,  hast  thou  come,  that  thou  mayest 
see  the  dead  and  this  joyless  region  ?  but  go  back  from  the 


*  See  Tiiy  note  on  Ear  Alcest.  t.  i.  p.  240,  ed.  Bohn,  and  on  Od.  ii 


95—133.] 


ODYSSEY.  XI. 


149 


trench,  and  liold  oiF  thy  sharp  sword,  tliat  I  may  drink  the 
blood  and  tell  thee  what  is  unerring.’ 

‘‘  Thus  he  spoke  ;  but  1  retiring  back,  fixed  my  silver-hiltcd 
sword  in  the  sheath ;  but  when  he  had  drunk  the  black  blood, 
then  at  length  the  blameless  prophet  addressed  me  with  words: 

“‘Thou  seekest  a  pleasant  return,  O  illustrious  Ulysses; 
but  the  deity  will  render  it  difficult  for  thee  ;  for  I  do  not  think 
that  thou  wilt  escape  the  notice  of  Neptune,  who  has  set  wrath 
in  his  mind  against  thee,  enraged  because  thou  hast  blinded 
his  dear  son.  But  still,  even  so,  although  suffering  ills,  thou 
mayest  come,  if  thou  art  willing  to  restrain  thy  longing,  and 
that  of  thy  companions,  when  thou  shalt  first  drive  thy  well- 
wrought  ship  to  the  Trinacrian  island,  escaping  from  the  azure 
main,  and  find  the  beeves  pasturing,  and  the  fat  cattle  of  the 
sun,  who  beholds  all  things,  and  hears  all  things ;  if  indeed 
thou  shalt  leave  these  unharmed,  and  art  careful  of  thy  return, 
even  then  thou  mayest  come  to  Ithaca,  although  suffering  ills: 
but  if  thou  harmest  them,  then  I  foretell  to  thee  destruction  for 
thy  ship  and  thy  companions ;  but  even  if  thou  shouldst  thy¬ 
self  escape,  thou  wilt  return  late,  in  calamity,  having  lost  all 
thy  companions,  in  a  foreign  ship  ;  and  thou  wilt  find  troubles 
in  thine  house,  overbearing  men,  who  consume  thy  livelihood, 
wooing  thy  goddess-like  wife,  and  offering  thyself  for  her  dow- 
ery  gift-^.  But  certainly  when  thou  comest  thou  wilt  revenge 
their  violence;  but  when  thou  slayest  the  suitors  in  thy  pal¬ 
ace,  either  by  deceit,  or  openly  with  sharp  brass,  then  go,  tak¬ 
ing  a  well-fitted  oar,  until  thou  comest  to  those  men,  who  are 
not  acquainted  with  the  sea,  nor  eat  food  mixed  with  salt,  nor 
indeed  are  acquainted  with  crimson-cheeked^  ships,  nor  well- 
fitted  oars,  which  also  are  wings  to  ships.  But  I  will  tell 
thee  a  very  manifest  sign,  nor  will  it  escape  thee :  when  an¬ 
other  traveler,  now  meeting  thee,  shall  say  that  thou  hast  a 
winnowing-fan®  on  thine  illustrious  shoulder,  then  at  length 
having  fixed  thy  well-fitted  oar  in  the  earth,  and  having  ofier- 
ed  beautiful  sacrifices  to  king  Neptune,  a  ram,  and  bull,  and 
boar,  the  mate  of  swine,  return  home,  and  ofter  up  sacred  hec¬ 
atombs  to  the  immortal  gods,  who  possess  the  wide  heaven,  to 

‘  i.  Ci.  crimson-prowed. 

®  Mistakinjx  the  oar  for  a  corn-fan.  A  sure  indication  of  his  igno¬ 
rance  of  maritime  concerns.  Cowper.  TrXdr//  ydp  OaXaaala,  to 
Kai  TrXarr]  xtfiaaia,  to  tttvov.  Eustathius. 


150 


ODYSSEY.  XI. 


[133— 17G. 


all  in  order :  but  death  will  come  upon  thee  away  from  the 
sea,  gentle,  very  much  such  an  one,  as  will  kill  thee,  taken 
with  gentle  old  age  ;  and  the  people  around  thee  will  be  hap¬ 
py  :  these  things  1  tell  thee  true.’ 

“  Thus  he  spoke  ;  but  I  answering  addressed  him  :  ‘  O  Tire- 
sias,  the  gods  themselves  have  surely  decreed  these  things.  But 
come,  tell  me  this,  and  relate  it  truly.  I  behold  this  the  soul 
of  my  deceased  mother,  she  sits  near  the  blood  in  silence,  nor 
does  she  dare  to  look  openly  at  her  son,  nor  to  speak  to  him. 
'i'ell  me,  O  king,  how  she  can  know  me,  being  such  an  one.’ 

‘‘Thus  I  spake;  but  he  immediately  answering  addressed 
me :  ‘  I  will  tell  thee  an  easy  word,  and  will  place  it  in  thy 
mind ;  whomever  of  the  deceased  dead  thou  sufferest  to  come 
near  the  blood,  he  will  tell  thee  the  truth  ;  but  whomsoever 
thou  grudgest  it,  he  will  go  back  again.’ 

“Tlius  having  spoke,  the  soul  of  king  Tiresias  went  within 
the  house  of  Pluto,  when  he  had  spoken  the  oracles  :  but  I 
remained  there  firmly,  until  my  mother  came  and  drank  of 
the  blood ;  but  she  immediately  knew  me,  and  lamenting  ad¬ 
dressed  to  me  winged  words : 

“  ‘  ]My  son,  how  didst  thou  come  under  the  shadowy  dark¬ 
ness,  being  alive  ?  but  it  is  difficult  for  the  living  to  behold 
these  things;  [for  in  the  midst  there  are  mighty  rivers  and 
teri'ible  streams,  first  indeed  the  ocean,  which  it  is  not  possible 
to  pass,  being  on  foot,  except  any  one  have  a  well-built  ship.] 
Dost  thou  now  come  here  wandering  from  Troy,  with  thy  ship 
and  companions,  after  a  long  time?  nor  hast  thou  yet  reached 
Ithaca?  nor  hast  thou  seen  thy  wife  in  thy  palace?’ 

“Thus  she  spoke;  but  I  answering  addres.sed  her:  ‘O  my 
mother,  necessity  led  me  to  Hades,  to  consult  the  soul  of 
Theban  Tii-esias.  For  1  have  not  yet  come  near  Achaia,  nor 
have  I  ever  stepped  u{)on  my  own  land,  but  1  still  wander 
about,  having  grief,  since  first  1  followed  divine  Agamemnon 
to  steed-excelling  Ilium,  that  I  might  fight  with  the  Trojans. 
But  come,  tell  me  this,  and  relate  it  truly,  what  fate  of  long- 
sleeping  death  subdued  thee  ?  AVhether  a  long  disease  ?  or 
did  shaft-rejoicing  Diana,  coming  upon  thee  with  her  mild 
weapons,  slay  thee  ?  And  tell  me  of  my  father  and  my  son, 
wliom  1  left,  whether  my  proj)erty  is  still  with  them,  or  does 
some  other  of  men  now  possess  it,  and  do  they  think  that  I 
shall  not  any  more  return  ?  And  tell  me  the  counsel  and 


ITfi— 217.] 


ODYSSEY.  XI. 


151 


mind  of  my  wooed  wife,  whether  does  she  remain  with  her 
son,  and  guard  all  things  safe or  now  has  one  of  the  Gre- 
eians,  whoever  is  the  best,  wedded  her!’ 

“  Thus  I  spoke  ;  but  my  venerable  mother  immediately 
answered  me :  ‘  She  by  all  means  remains  with  an  enduring 
mind  in  thy  palace :  and  her  miserable  nights  and  days  are 
^continually  spent  in  tears.  But  no  one  as  yet  possesse.s  thy 
noble  property:  but  Telemachus  manages  thy  estates  in 
quiet,  and  feasts  upon  equal  feasts,  which  it  is  fit  for  a  man 
who  is  a  prince  to  prepare  ;  for  all  invite  him  :  but  thy  father 
remains  there  in  the  country,  nor  does  he  come  to  the  city; 
nor  has  he  beds,  and  couches,  and  clothes,  and  variegated 
rugs.  But  he  sleeps  indeed,  during  the  winter,  where  the 
servants  [sleep],  in  the  house,  in  the  dust,  near  the  fire,  and 
he  puts  sad  garments  about  his  body;  but  when  summer  ar¬ 
rives,  and  flourishing  autumn,  his  bed  is  strewn  on.the  ground, 
of  the  leaves  that  fall  on  every  side  of  his  wine-producing 
vineyard.  Here  he  lies  sorrowing,  and  he  cherishes  great 
grief  in  his  mind,  lamenting  thy  fate;  and  severe  old  age 
comes  upon  him  :  for  so  I  also  perished,  and  drew  on  my  fate. 
Nor  did  the  well-aiming,  shaft-delighting  [goddess],  coming 
upon  me  with  her  mild  weapons,  slay  me  in  the  palace.  Nor 
did  any  disease  come  upon  me,  which  especially  takes  away 
the  mind  from  the  limbs  with  hateful  consumption.  But  re¬ 
gret  for  thee,  and  cares  for  thee,  O  illustrious  Ulysses,  and 
kindness  for  thee,  deprived  me  of  my  sweet  life.’ 

‘‘Thus  she  spoke;  but  I,  meditating  in  my  mind,  wished 
to  lay  hold  of  the  soul  of  my  departed  mother.  Thrice  in¬ 
deed  I  essayed  it,  and  my  mind  urged  me  to  lay  hold  of  it, 
but  thrice  it  flew  from  ray  hands,  like  unto  a  shadow,  or 
even  to  a  dream:  but  sharp  grief  arose  in  my  heart  still 
more ;  and  addressing  her,  I  spoke  winged  words : 

“  ‘  Mother  mine,  why  dost  thou  not  remain  for  me,  desir¬ 
ous  to  take  hold  of  thee,  that  even  in  Hades,  throwing  around 
our  dear  hands,  we  may  both  be  satiated  with  sad  grief! 
Has  illustrious  Proserpine  sent  forth  this  an  image  for  me, 
that  I  may  lament  still  more,  mourning!’ 

“  ddius  I  spoke ;  my  ^'enerable  mother  immediately  an¬ 
swered  me  :  ‘Alas!  my  son,  unliappy  above  all  mortals,  Pros¬ 
erpine,  the  daughter  of  Jove,  by  no  means  deceives  thee,  but 
this  is  the  condition  of  mortals,  when  they  are  dead.  For 


152 


ODYSSEY.  XL 


[218—254. 


tlieir  nerves  no  lono:er  have  flesli  ami  bones,  but  ilie  stroim 
force  of  burning  fire  subdues  them,  when  first  the  mind 
leaves  the  Avhite  bones,  but  the  soul,  like  as  a  dream,  flitter¬ 
ing,  flies  away.  But  hasten  as  quick  as  possible  to  the  light ; 
and  know  all  these  things,  that  even  hereafter  thou  mayest 
tell  them  to  thy  wife.’ 

“  Thus  we  twain  answered  each  other  with  words  ;  but  the 
women  came — for  illustrious  Proserpine  excited  them — as 
many  as  were  the  wives  and  daughters  of  chiefs.  And  they 
were  assembled  together  around  the  black  blood.  And  I  took 
counsel  how  I  might  inquire  of  each  ;  and  this  plan  in  my  mind 
appeared  to  me  to  be  the  best,  having  drawn  my  long  sword 
from  my  stout  thigh,  1  did  not  suffer  them  all  to  drink  the 
black  blood  at  the  same  time.  But  they  came  one  after  an¬ 
other,’^  and  each  related  her  race ;  but  I  inquired  of  all.  There 
then  I  saw  Tyro  first,  born  of  a  noble  father,  who  said  that 
she  was  the  offspring  of  blameless  Salmoneus.  And  she  said 
that  she  was  the  wife  of  Cretheus,  son  of  iEolus.  She  loved 
the  divine  river  Enipeus,  which  flows  far  the  fairest  of  rivers 
upon  the  earth ;  and  she  was  constantly  walking  near  the 
beautiful  streams  of  the  Enipeus.  Earth-shaking  Neptune, 
therefore,  likened  unto  him,  lay  with  her  at  the  mouth®  of 
the  eddying  river:  and  the  purple  wave  surrounded  them, 
like  unto  a  mountain,  arched,  and  concealed  the  god,  and  the 
mortal  woman  ;  [and  he  loosed  her  virgin  zone,  and  shed  sleep 
over  her.]  But  wdien  the  god  had  accomplished  the  deeds  of 
love,  he  laid  hold  of  her  hand,  and  spoke  and  addressed  her: 

“  ‘  Rejoice,  O  woman,  on  account  of  our  love  ;  for  when  a 
year  has  rolled  round,  thou  shalt  bring  forth  illustrious  chil¬ 
dren  ;  since  the  beds  of  the  immortals  are  not  in  vain  ;  but 
do  thou  take  care  of  them,  and  bring  them  up,  but  now  go  to 
thine  house,  and  restrain  thyself,  nor  mention  it ;  but  I  am 
Earth-shaking  Neptune.’ 

“  Thus  having  spoke,  he  dived  beneath  the  billowy  sea ; 
but  she  having  conceived,  brought  forth  Pelias  and  Neleus, 
who  both  became  noble  servants  of  Jove.  Pelias,  indeed. 


’  Ttpo/xv7](TTii'ai,  tTTi  fuav  tKpQ,  V  sTraXXTjXot,  i)  IttI  gtixov,  ical  tan  Kara 
TO  tropov  Trpojxtvkanvai  (so  Buttm.).  Scliol. 

“  i.  e.  at  its  junction  with  the  sea.  Schol.  on  Apoll.  Rh.  i.  1 1 .  twv 
TiOTapwv  01  avp.lSa\\ovTtt2  tottoi  ry  OaXdaay,  Trpoxoal  Xtyovrai.  Cf.  Af 
Ocrli  on  Ilcsycli.  t.  ii.  p.  10G3. 


255—288.] 


ODYSSEY.  XI. 


153 


abounding  in  cattle,  dwelt  in  spacious  Tolciis  ;  but  the  other 
in  sandy  l^ylos.  And  the  queen  of  women  brought  forth 
the  others  to  Cretheus,  ..^son,  and  Pheres,  and  steed-rejoicing 
Amithaon. 

“  After  her  I  beheld  Antiope,  the  daughter  of  Asopus,  who 
also  boasted  to  have  slept  in  the  arms  of  Jove ;  and  she 
brought  forth  two  sons,  Amphion  and  Zethus,  who  first  laid 
the  foundations  of  seven-gated  Thebes,  and  surrounded  it 
with  turrets ;  since  they  were  not  able,  although  they  were 
strong,  to  dwell  in  spacious  Thebes  without  turrets. 

“  After  her  I  beheld  Alcmene,  the  wife  of  Amphitryon, 
who,  mingled  in  the  arms  of  great  Jove,  brought  forth  bold, 
lion-hearted  Hercules.  And  Megara,  daughter  of  high-mind¬ 
ed  Creon,  whom  the  son  of  Amphitryon,  ever  unwasted  in 
strength,  wedded. 

“  And  I  beheld  the  mother  of  Q'^dipus,  beautiful  Epicaste,^ 
who  committed  a  dreadfuP®  deed  in  the  ignorance  of  her  mind, 
having  mmried  her  own  son  ;  and  he,  having  slain  his  father, 
married  her:  but  the  gods  immediately  made  it  public  among 
men.  Then  he,  suffering  grief  in  delightful  Thebes,  ruled 
over  the  Cadmeians,  through  the  pernicious  counsels  of  the 
gods;  but  she  went  to  the  [dwellings]  of  strong-gated  Hades, 
suspending  the  cord  on  higld^  from  the  lofty  house,  held  fast 
b}'  her  own  sorrow  ;  but  she  left  behind  for  him  very  many 
griefs,  as  many  as  the  Furies  of  a  mother  accomplish. 

“  And  I  saw  the  very  beautiful  Chloris,  whom  Neleus  once 
maiTied,  on  account  of  her  beauty,  when  he  had  given  her 
countless  dowries,  the  youngest  daughter  of  Amphion,  son  of 
iasus :  who  once  ruled  strongly  in  Minyean  Orchomenus  ; 
and  he  reigned  over  Pylos ;  and  she  bore  to  him  noble  chil¬ 
dren,  Nestor,  and  Chromius,  and  proud  Periclymenus ;  and 
besides  these  she  brought  forth  strong  Pero,  a  marvel  to  mor- 
lals,  whom  all  the  neighboring  inhabitants  wooed ;  nor  did 
Neleus  at  all  offer  [her]  to  any  one,  who  could  not  drive 
away  from  Phylace  the  crumple-horned  oxen  of  mighty  Iphi- 

®  In  the  Tragedians,  Jocasta.  But  see  Sohol.  on  Ear.  Pha'n.  13. 
Nicolaus  Damascenus,  from  a  MS.  in  the  Escurial,  agrees  with  Ho¬ 
mer. 

’  fifya  is  used  by  an  euphemisus  to  denote  her  illieit  intercourse. 
See  Schol. 

*  See  my  note  on  ^seh.  Ag.  p.  121,  n.  1,  ed.  Bohn. 

G  2 


1.31 


ODYSSEY.  XI. 


[288—326. 


cles,  with  wide  forelieads,  [and]  troublesome;’^  a  blameless 
seer  alone  promised  that  he  would  drive  these  away  ;  but  the 
severe  Fate  of  the  gods  hindered  hitn,  and  difficult  fetters, 
and  rustic  herdsmen.  But  when  the  months  and  days  were 
now  completed,  a  year  having  again  gone  round,  and  the  hours 
came  on,  then  at  length  the  mighty  Iphicles  loosed  him,  hav¬ 
ing  told  all  the  oracles ;  and  the  counsel  of  Jove  was  ful- 
tilled. 

“  And  I  beheld  Leda,  the  wife  of  Tyndareus,  who  brought 
forth  two  noble-minded  sons  from  Tyndareus,  steed-subduing 
Castor,  and  Pollux  who  excelled  in  pugilism ;  both  of  these 
the  fruitful  earth  detains  alive ;  who,  even  beneath  the  earth, 
having  honor  from  Jove,  sometimes  live  on  alternate  days, 
and  sometimes  again  are  dead,  and  they  have  obtained  by  lot 
honor  equally  with  the  gods. 

“  After  her  I  beheld  Iphimedia,  wife  of  Aloeus,  who  said 
that  she  had  been  united  to  Neptune  :  and  bore  two  sons,  but 
they  were  short-lived,  godlike  Otus,  and  far-famed  Ephialtes; 
whom  the  fruitful  earth  nourished,  the  tallest,  and  far  the 
most  beautiful,  at  least  after  illustrious  Orion.  For  at  nine 
years  old  they  were  also  nine  cubits  in  width,  but  in  height 
they  were  nine  fathoms.  Who  even  threatened  the  immortals 
that  they  would  set  up  a  strife  of  impetuous^^  war  in  Olym¬ 
pus  :  they  attempted  to  place  Ossa  upon  Olympus,  and  upon 
Ossa  leafy  Pelion,  that  heaven  might  be  accessible.  And  tliey 
wou’d  have  accomplished  it,  if  they  had  reached  the  measure 
of  youth :  but  the  son  of  Jove,  whom  fair-haired  Latona  bore, 
destroyed  them  both  ;  before  the  down  flowered  under  their 
temples,  and  thickened  upon  their  cheek  with  a  flowering 
beard. 

“  And  I  beheld  Phoedra  and  Procris,  and  fair  Ariadne,  the 
daughter  of  wise  INlinos,  whom  ddieseus  once  led  from  Crete 
to  the  soil  of  sacred  Athens,  but  he  did  not  enjoy  her;  for 
Diana  first  slew  her  in  the  island  Dia,  on  account  of  the  test  ¬ 
imony  of  Bacehus. 

“  And  1  beheld  INIaera  and  Clymene,  and  hateful  Eriphyle, 
who  reeeived  preeious  gold  for  her  dear  husband.  But  1 

Cf.  vs.  203,  de(T/doi  apyaXht,  and  the  glosses  of  Ilesych.  dpyaXiovQt 
^aXerroig,  dtivovg.  ’ ApyaXetJTaToi,  dtivoTUTOi. 

“  Ilesycli.  TroXvaiKog,  TroXXdg  opfxdg  kcu  Kivt'iatig  txovrog  tu)v  ^axo- 


«J27 — 3G6.  J 


ODYSSEY.  XI. 


155 


can  not  relate  nor  name  all,  how  many  wives  and  daughters 
ot‘  lieroes  I  beheld ;  for  even  the  immortal  night  would  first 
waste  away.  But  it  is  time  for  me  to  sleep,  either  going  to 
the  swift  ship  to  my  companions,  or  here ;  but  my  conduct 
will  be  a  care  to  the  gods  and  to  you.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  they  all  had  been  hushed  in  silence, 
and  fast  held  by  the  soothing  [of  his  words]  through  the 
shadowy  palace.  But  white-armed  Arete  began  speaking  to 
them  : 

“  O  Pliaeacians,  how  does  this  man  appear  to  you  to  be,  in 
form,  and  size,  and  in  equal  mind  within  %  He  indeed  is  my 
guest:  but  each  of  you  shares  the  honor:  do  not  therefore 
dismiss  him  in  haste,  nor  be  sparing  in  presents  to  one  thus 
in  want,  for  many  possessions  lie  in  your  houses  through  the 
kindness  of  the  gods.” 

The  aged  hero  Echeneus,  [who  was  the  oldest  of  the  Phse- 
acians,]  also  addressed  them:  “O  my  friends,  the  prudent 
queen  does  not  speak  to  you  away  from  the  mark,  nor  from 
propriety ;  but-  do  ye  obey  [her] ;  but  both  the  deed  and  word 
of  this  depends  upon  Alcinous.” 

But  him  Alcinous  answered  in  turn,  and  said :  “  This 
word  sliall  indeed  be  so,  if  I  reign  alive  over  the  oar-loving 
Pliaeacians.  But  let  the  stranger  endure,  although  very 
much  craving  a  return,  to  remain  at  all  events  till  to-mor¬ 
row,  until  I  shall  complete  the  whole  gift ;  for  his  conduct 
»hall  be  all  men's  care,  but  mine  especially ;  for  mine^^  is  the 
power  among  the  people.” 

But  liim  much-counseling  Ulysses  answering  addressed  : 
“  O  king  Alcinous,  most  glorious  of  all  the  people,  if  thou 
shouldst  command  me  to  remain  here  even  for  a  year,  and 
ehouldst  prepare  my  conduct,  and  give  me  noble  gifts,  I 
should  wish  it  indeed,  and  it  would  be  much  better,  that  I 
should  come  to  my  dear  country  with  a  fuller  hand ;  and  I 
should  be  more  honored,  and  beloved  by  all  men,  as  many  as 
should  behold  me  returning  to  Ithaca.” 

But  him  Alcinous  answered  in  turn,  and  said  :  “  O  Ulysses, 
looking  u})on  thee,  we  do  not  suspect  that  at  all,  that  you  are 
an  impostor  and  thief,  many  such  as  far-scattered  men  the 
black  earth  feeds,  contriving  falsehoods,  from  whence  no  one 
would  perceive  it ;  but  thou  hast  both  a  fashion  of  words  and 

Tovd'  dpdpo^  is  often  put  for  tpov. 


156 


ODYSSEY.  XL 


[3G7— 403; 


gocnl  understuiicling  ;  and  lliou  hast  related  thy  story  skillfidly, 
as  a  bard,  the  sad  cares  of  all  the  Greeks  and  of  thyself  Bui 
come,  tell  me  this,  and  relate  it  truly,  if  thou  hast  seen  any 
of  thy  godlike  companions,  who  followed  together  with  thy¬ 
self  to  Ilium,  and  drew  on  their  fate  there.  This  night  is 
very  long,  immense  nor  is  there  any  time  to  sleep  in  the 
palace  ;  but  do  thou  relate  to  me  wondrous  deeds :  and  I 
could  bear  it  even  until  divine  morning,  when  thou  wouldst  ' 
endure  to  recount  to  me  in  my  palace  thine  own  sorrows.” 

And  him  much-planning  Ulysses  answering  addressed : 

“  O  king  Alcinous,  most  illustrious  of  all  the  people,  there  is 
a  season  for  many  words,  and  a  season  also  for  sleep.  But 
if  thou  still  desirest  to  listen,  I  would  not  grudge  to  relate  to 
thee  other  even  more  grievous  sorrows  of  my  companions, 
who  perished  afterward ;  who  escaped  indeed  from  the  sad 
war  of  the  Trojans,  but  perished  on  their  return,  by  the  de¬ 
sign  of  an  evil  woman.  When  chaste  Proserpine  had  dis¬ 
persed  the  souls  of  women  in  different  places,  the  soul  of 
Agamemnon,  son  of  Atreus,  came  up,  sorrowing :  and  the 
rest  were  assembled  around  him,  as  many  as  died,  and  drew' 
on  their  fate  in  the  house  of  AEgisthus  together  with  him ;  and 
he  immediately  knew  me,  when  he  had  driink  the  black  blood  ; 
and  he  wept  shrilly,  shedding  the  warm  tear,  holding  out  his 
hands  to  me,  desiring  to  lay  hold  of  me.  But  he  had  no  lon¬ 
ger  firm  strength,  nor  power  at  all,  such  as  w'as  before  in  his 
bending  limbs.  I  wept  indeed,  beholding  him,  and  pitied 
him  in  my  mind,  and  addressing  him  I  spoke  winged  words: 

“  ‘  O  most  glorious  son  of  Atreus,  Agamemnon,  king  of 
men,  what  fate  of  long-sleeping  death  subdued  thee?  Did 
Neptune  subdue  thee  in  thy  ships,  raising  an  immense^®  blast 
of  cruel  winds?  Or  did  unjust  men  injure  thee  on  land, 
while  thou  wert  cutting  off*  their  oxen,  and  beautiful  flocks  of 
sheep,  or  contending  for  a  city,  or  for  women  ?’ 

“  Thus  I  spoke ;  but  he  immediately  addressed  me,  answer- 

Milton,  Par.  Lost,  vii.  98: 

“  And  the  great  light  of  day  yet  wants  to  run 
Much  of  his  race,  though  steep ;  suspense  in  heaven, 

Held  by  thy  voice,  thy  potent  voice,  he  hears. 

And  longer  will  delay  to  hear  thee  tell 
Ilis  generation,”  etc. 

afxsyapTOv,  (i(p96v}}T0v,  a'Oi^MTov,  i)  TToXvr,  f/  fiiyav.  Ilesycb.  Cf. 
Blomf.  on  Aisch.  Prom.  401.  Bind. 


404—439.] 


ODYSSEY.  XI. 


157 


ing  :  ‘  O  Jove-born  son  of  Laertes,  inueli-planning  Ulysses,  nei¬ 
ther  did  Neptune  subdue  me  in  my  ships,  raising  an  immense 
blast  of  cruel  winds,  nor  did  unjust  men  injure  me  on  land  ; 
bu*'  ^^gisthus,  having  contrived  death  and  Fate  for  me,  slew 
me,  [conspiring]  with  my  pernicious  wife,  having  invited  me 
to  his  house,  entertaining  me  at  a  feast,  as  any  one  has  slain 
an  ox  at  the  stall.  Thus  I  died  by  a  most  piteous  death  ; 
and  my  other  companions  were  cruelly  slain  around  me,  as 
swine  with  white  tusks,  which  [are  slain]  either  at  the  mar¬ 
riage,  or  collation, or  splendid  banquet  of  a  wealthy,  very 
powerful  man.  Thou  hast  already  been  present  at  the  slaugh¬ 
ter  of  many  men,  slain  separately,  and  in  hard  battle ;  but  if 
thou  hadst  seen  those  tilings,  thou  wouldst  have  especially  la¬ 
mented  in  thy  mind,  how  we  lay  in  the  palace  about  the  cups 
and  full  tables ;  and  the  whole  ground  reeked  with  blood. 
And  I  heard  the  most  piteous  voice  of  the  daughter  of  Priam, 
Cassandra,  whom  deceitful  Clytemnestra  slew  near  me ;  but 
I,  raising  my  hands  from  the  earth,  dying,  laid  them  on  my 
sword  ;  but  she,  impudent  one,  went  away,  nor  did  she  endure 
to  close  my  eyes  with  her  hands,  and  shut  my  mouth,  although 
I  was  going  to  Hades.  So  there  is  nothing  else  more  terrh 
ble  and  impudent  than  a  woman,  who  indeed  casts  about  such 
deeds  in  her  mind  *  what  an  unseemly  deed  has  she  indeed 
contrived,  having  prepared  murder  for  her  husband,  whom 
she  lawfully  married!'®  1  thought  indeed  that  I  should  re¬ 
turn  home  welcome  to  my  children  and  my  servants  ;  but  she, 
above  all  acquainted  with  wicked  things,  has  shed  disgrace 
over  herself,  and  female  women'®  about  to  be  hereafter,  even 
[upon  one]  who  is  a  worker  of  good.’ 

“  Thus  he  spoke ;  but  I  addressed  him  answering  •  ‘  O 
gods  !  of  a  truth  wide-thundering  Jove  most  terribly  hates 
the  race  of  Atreus,  on  account  of  women’s  plans,  from  the 
beginning:  many  of  us  indeed  perished  for  the  sake  of  Helen  ; 
and  Clytemnestra  has  contrived  a  stratagem  for  thee  when 
thou  wast  at  a  distance.’ 

“  Thus  I  spoke ;  but  he  immediately  addressed  me  in  an- 

fpavor  was  a  feast  to  which  all  the  guests  invited  sent  or  contrib¬ 
uted  something.  -  ' 

This  seems,  on  the  whole,  the  most  probable  interpretation  of  Kovpt- 
Hioc  in  this  passage.  But  the  (question  is  a  very  uncertain  one,  and  ii 
left  undecided  by  Buttmann,  Lexil.  p.  392,  sqq. 

Observe  the  pleonasm. 


158 


OBYSSLY.  XL 


[439—481. 


swcr :  *  Now  therefore  do  not  thou  ever  be  mild  to  thy  wife, 
nor  inform  her  of  every  thing  with  which  thou  art  well  ac¬ 
quainted  :  but  tell  one  thing,  and  let  another  be  concealed. 
But  for  thee  indeed  there  will  not  be  murder  at  the  hands  of 
thy  wife,  O  Uly  sses :  for  prudent  Penelope,  the  daughter  of 
Icarus,  is  very  wise,  and  is  well  acquainted  with  counsels  in 
her  mind.  We  left  indeed  her,  when  we  came  to  the  war,  a 
young  bride ;  and  she  had  an  infant  boy  at  her  breast,  who 
now  probably  sits  among  the  number  of  men,  hap})y  one  ;  for 
his  dear  father  will  surely  behold  him,  when  returning,  and 
he  will  embrace  his  sire,  as  is  right ;  but  she  my  wife  did  not 
suffer  me  to  be  satiated  in  mine  eyes  with  my  son,  for  she  first 
slew  even  me  myself.  But  1  will  tell  thee  something  else,  and 
do  thou  lay  it  up  in  thy  mind  ;  hold  thy  ship  toward  thy  dear 
paternal  land  secretly,  not  0{)enly  ;  since  confidence  is  no  lon¬ 
ger  to  be  placed  upon  women.  But  come,  tell  me  this  and  re¬ 
late  it  truly ;  if  thou  hearest  of  my  son  any  where  yet  alive, 
either  somewhere  in  Orchomenus,  or  in  sandy  Pylos^  or  some¬ 
where  near  Menelaus  in  wide  Sparta?  for  divine  Orestes  has 
not  yet  died  upon  the  earth.’ 

“Thus  he  spoke;  but  I  addressed  him  in  answer:  ‘O  son 
of  Atreus,  why  dost  thou  inquire  these  things  of  me?  I  do 
not  know  at  all,  whether  he  is  alive  or  dead ;  and  it  is  wrong 
to  utter  vain  words.’ 

“  We  tw  am  stood  thus  mourning,  answering  one  another 
with  sad  words,  shedding  the  warm  tear.  And  the  soul  of 
Achilles,  son  of  Peleus,  came  on,  and  of  Patroclus,  and  spot¬ 
less  Antilochus,  and  Ajax,  who  was  the  most  excellent  as  to 
his  form  and  person  of  all  the  Danaans  after  the  blameless  son 
of  Peleus.  And  the  soul  of  the  swift-footed  descendant  of 
Abacus  knew  me,  and  lamenting  addressed  me  [in]  winged 
words : 

“  ‘  O  Jove-born  son  of  Laertes,  much-contriving  Ulysses, 
wretched  one,  why  dost  thou  meditate  a  still  greater  work  in 
thy  mind  ?  how  didst  thou  dare  to  descend  to  Orcus,  where 
dwell  the  witless  dead,  the  images  of  deceased  mortals?’ 

“  Thus  he  spoke  ;  but  I  addressed  him  in  answer  ;  ‘  Achil¬ 
les,  son  of  Peleus,  by  far  the  most  excellent  of  the  Grecians, 
I  came  for  the  advice  of  Tiresias,  if  he  could  tell  me  how 
by  any  plan  I  may  come  to  craggy  Ithaca.  For  I  have  not 
yet  come  any  where  near  Greece,  nor  have  I  ever  gone  on  my 


482 


ODYSSEY.  XL 


159 


—520.] 

land  any  wlicre,  but  I  still  have  troubles:  bat  there  was  no 
man  before  more  blessed  than  thou,  O  Achilles,  nor  will  there 
be  hereafter.  For  formerly  we  Argives  honored  thee  when 
alive  equally  with  the  gods,  and  now  again,  when  thou  art 
here,  thou  hast  great  power  among  the  ‘  deceased ;  do  not 
therefore  when  dead  be  sad,  O  Achilles.’ 

‘‘Thu^  I  spoke;  but  he  immediately  addressed  me  in  an 
swer :  ‘  Do  not,  O  illustrious  Ulysses,  speak  to  me  of  death  ; 
I  would  wish,  being  on  earth,  to  serve  for  hire  with  another 
man  of  no  estate,  who  had  not  much  livelihood,  rather  than 
rule  over  all  the  departed  dead.  But  come,  tell  me  an  ac¬ 
count  of  ray  noble  son ;  did  he  follow  to  the  war  so  as  to  be  a 
chief  or  not  ?  and,  tell  me  if  thou  hast  heard  any  thing  of 
blameless  Feleus  ;  whether  has  he  still  honor  among  the  many 
IMyrmidonians?  or  do  they  dishonor  him  in  Greece  and  Pthia, 
because  old  age  possesses  his  hands  and  feet  ?  for  I  am  not- 
assistant  to  him  under  the  beams  of  the  sun,  being  such  an 
one,  as  when  I  slew  the  best  of  the  people  in  wide  Troy, 
fighting  for  the  Grecians.  If  I  should  come  as  such  an  one 
even  for  a  short  time  to  the  house  of  my  father,  so  I  would 
make  my  strength  and  unconquerable  hands  terrible  to  any, 
who  treat  him  with  violence,  and  keep  him  from  honor.’ 

“  Thus  he  spoke  ;  but  I  answering  addressed  him  :  ‘  I  have 
not  indeed  heard  any  thing  of  blameless  Feleus.  But  I  will 
tell  thee  the  whole  truth,  as  thou  biddest  me,  about  thy  dear 
son  Neoptolernus ;  for  I  myself  led  him  in  an  equal  hollow 
ship  from  Scyros  to  the  w^ell-greaved  Grecians.  Of  a  truth 
when  we  were  taking  counsels  concerning  the  city  Troy,  he  al¬ 
ways  spoke  first,  and  did  not  err  in  his  words :  and  godlike 
Nestor  and  myself  alone  contended  with  him.  But  when  we 
W’ere  fighting  about  the  city  of  the  Trojans,  he  never  remained 
in  the  number  of  men,  nor  in  the  crowd,  but  ran  on  much 
before,  yielding  to  no  one  in  his  might;  and  many  men  he 
slew  in  the  terrible  contest :  but  I  could  not  tell  nor  name  all, 
how  great  a  people  he  slew,  defending  the  Greeks.  But  [1 
wall  relate]  how  he  slew  the  hero  Eurypylus,  son  of  Telephus, 
with  the  brass,2®  and  many  CcteaiFi  companions  were  slain 

i.  e.  with  the  sword. 

Some  render  this  large.,  as  a  metaphor  taken  from  whales ;  but  the 
Scholiast  informs  us  that  the  Ceteans  were  a  people  of  Mysia,  of  wliom 
Teleplius  was  king.  Cf.  Serv  on  Virg.  Eel.  vi.  72  ;  Hygin.  Lab.  112. 


J60 


ODYSSF.Y.  XL 


[520—547, 


around  bitn,  on  account  of  gifts  to  a  Avoman  him  certainly 
1  beheld  as  the  most  beautiful,  after  divine  Mernnon.  But 
when  we,  the  chieftains  of  the  Grecians,  ascended  into  the 
horse,  which  Epeus  made,  and  all  things  were  committed  to 
me,  [both  to  open  the  thick  ambush  and  to  shut  it,]  there  the 
other  leaders  and  rulers  of  the  Greeks  both  wiped  away  their 
tears,  and  the  limbs  of  each  trembled  under  them ;  but  him  I 
never  saw  at  all  with  my  eyes,  either  turning  pale  as  to  his 
beauteous  complexion,  or  wiping  away  the  tears  from  his 
cheeks  but  he  implored  me  very  much  to  go  out  of  the  horse  ; 
and  grasped  the  hilt  of  his  sword,  and  his  brass-heavy  spear, 
and  he  meditated  evils  against  the  Trojans.  But  when  we 
had  sacked  the  lofty  city  of  Priam,  having  his  share  and  ex¬ 
cellent  reward,  he  embarked  unhurt  on  a  ship,  neither  stricken 
with  the  sharp  brass,  nor  Avounded  [in  fighting]  hand  to  hand, 
as  oftentimes  happens  in  Avar ;  for  Mars  confusedly  raves.’ 

“Thus  I  spoke;  but  the  soul  of  the  SAvift-footed  son  of 
-ZEacus  went  away,  taking  mighty  steps  through  the  meadoAv 
of  asphodel,  in  joyfulness,  because  I  had  said  that  his  son  was 
very  illustrious.  But  the  other  souls  of  the  deceased  dead 
stood  sorrowing,  and  each  related  their  griefs.  But  the  soul 
of  Ajax,  son  of  Telamon,  stood  afar  ofi*,  angry  on  account  of 
the  victory,  in  which  I  conquered  him,  contending  in  trial 
at  the  ships  concerning  the  arms  of  Achilles ;  for  his  vener¬ 
able  mother-3  proposed'^  them:  [but  the  sons  of  theTrojans^^ 
and  I’allas  JVlinerva  adjudged  them.]  How  I  Avish  that  I  had 
not  conquered  in  such  a  contest;  for  the  earth  contained  such 

Priam  liad  either  ])romised  Eury])ylus  one  of  his  danpjhters  in  mar¬ 
riage  ;  or  Priam  had  given  presents  to  his  Avife,  in  order  that  she  might 
persuade  him  to  come  to  the  war :  in  this  case  it  Avould  he,  he  was  slain 
on  account  of  the  presents  which  had  been  fiven  his  wife,  Avhich  appears  to 
me  the  best  way  of  translating  it.  Old  Transl.  from  the  Scholiast. 
Besychius,  who  has  not  always  met  Avith  due  attention  from  the  editoi-s 
of  Homer,  interprets  this,  did  ywaiKiov  dojpodoidav.  So  also  Apollon. 
Lex.  Horn,  did  diopodoKiav,  clearly  confirming  the  latter  interpretation, 
which  I  have  accordinglv  followed. 

q'hetis. 

Ohseiwe  that  riOrjpi  is  j)ro])erly  used  of  laying  doAA’n  a  prize  to  bo 
contested  for. 

In  order  that  the  arms  might  be  adjudged  fairly,  the  captive  Tro¬ 
jans  were  summoned  before  the  Grecian  chiefs,  and  asked  Avhich  of  the 
two,  Ajax  or  Ulysses,  had  done  most  harm  to  the  Trojans :  they  said 
Ulysses,  upon  which  the  arms  Avere  giv'en  to  him,  as  having  been  of 
most  use  to  the  Greeks.  Jld  Transl. 


550—585.] 


ODYSSEY.  XI. 


161 


a  pereson  on  account  of  them,  Ajax,  who  excelled  in  form  and 
in  deeds,  the  other  Greeks,  after  the  blameless  son  of  Peleus ; 
him  indeed  I  addressed  with  mild  words : 

“  ‘  O  Ajax,  son  of  blameless  Telamon,  art  thou  not  about, 
even  when  dead,  to  forget  thine  anger  toward  me,  on  account 
of  the  destructive  arms?  for  the  gods  made  them  a  harm  unto 
the  Grecians.  For  thou,  who  wast  such  a  fortress  to  them, 
‘didst  perish ;  for  thee,  when  dead,  we  Greeks  altogether 
mourned,  equally  as  for  the  person  of  Achilles,  the  son  of 
Feleus ;  nor  was  any  one  else  the  cause;  but  Jupiter  vehe¬ 
mently  hated  the  army  of  the  warrior  Greeks;  and  he  laid 
fate  upon  you.  But  come  hither,  O  king,  that  thou  mayest 
hear  our  word  and  speech ;  and  subdue  thy  strength  and 
haughty  mind.’ 

“Thus  I  spoke;  but  he  answered  me  not  at  all,  but  went 
to  Erebus  among  the  other  souls  of  the  deceased  dead.  There 
however,  [although]  angry,  he  would  have  spoken  to  me,  or  1 
to  him,  but  my  mind  in  my  breast  wished  to  behold  the  souls 
of  tlie  other  dead. 

“There  then  I  beheld  Minos,  the  illustrious  son  of  Jove, 
having  a  golden  sceptre,  giving  laws  to  the  dead,  sitting  down  ; 
but  the  others  around  him,  the  king,  pleaded  their  causes,  sit¬ 
ting  and  standing  through  the  wide-gated  house  of  Pluto, 

“  After  him  I  beheld  vast  Orion,  hunting  beasts  at  the  same 
time,  in  tlie  meadow  of  asphodel,^^  which  he  had  himself 
killed  in  the  desert  mountains,  having  an  all-brazen  club  in 
his  hands,  forever  unbroken. 

“  And  I  beheld  Tityus,  the  son  of  the  very  renowned  earth, 
lying  on  the  ground  ;  and  he  lay  stretched  over  nine  acres ; 
and  two  vultures  sitting  on  each  side  of  him  were  tearing  his  liv¬ 
er,  diving  into  tlie  caul  but  he  did  not  ward  them  off  with  his 
hands  ;  for  he  had  dragged  Latona,  the  celebrated  wife  of  Jove, 
as  she  was  going  to  Pythos,  through  the  delightful  Panopeus. 

“And  I  beheld  Tantalus  suffering  severe  griefs,  standing 
in  a  lake  ;  and  it  approached  his  chin.  But  he  stood  thirst¬ 
ing,  and  he  could  not  get  any  thing  to  drink  ;  for  as  often  as 
the  old  man  stooped,  desiring  to  drink,  so  often  the  water  be- 

Asphodel  was  jdantcd  on  the  graves  and  around  the  tomhs  of  the 
deceased,  and  hence  the  supposition,  that  tho  Stygian  plain  was  clothed 
with  asphodel.  Cowper. 

Or,  dijtjnng  in  the  beak.  See  Loewe. 


162 


ODYSSEY.  XL 


[585— G24. 


ing  sucked  up,  was  lost  to  him  ;  and  the  black  earth  appeared 
around  his  feet,  and  the  deity  dried  it  up.  And  lofty  trees 
shed  down  fruit  from  the  top,  pear-trees,  and  apples,  and 
pomegranates  producing  glorious  fruit,  and  sweet  figs,  and 
fiourishing  olives  :  of  whicli,  when  the  old  man  raised  himself 
up  to  pluck  some  with  his  hands,  the  wind  kept  casting  them 
away  to  the  dark  clouds. 

“  And  I  beheld  Sisyphus,  having  violent  griefs,  bearing  an‘ 
enormous  stone  with  both  [his  hands] :  he  indeed  leaning 
with  his  hands  and  feet  kept  thrusting  the  stone  up  to  the 
top:  but  when  it  was  about  to  pass  over  the  summit,  then 
strong  force  began  to  drive  it  back  again,  then  the  impudent-^ 
stone  rolled  to  the  plain ;  but  he,  striving,  kept  thrusting  it 
back,  and  the  sweat  flowed  down  from  his  limbs,  and  a  dirt 
arose  from  his  head. 

After  him  I  perceived  the  might  of  Hercules,  an  image; 
for  he  himself  among  the  immortal  gods  is  delighted  with  ban¬ 
quets,  and  has  the  faired-legged  Hebe,  [daughter  of  mighty 
Jove  and  golden-sandaled  Juno.]  And  around  him  there  was 
a  clang  of  the  dead,  as  of  birds,  frighted  on  all  sides ;  but 
he,  like  unto  dark  night,  having  a  naked  bow,  and  an  arrow 
at  the  string,  looking  about  terribly,  was  always  like  unto  one 
about  to  let  fly  a  shaft.  And  there  was  a  fearful  belt  around 
Ills  breast,  the  thong  was  golden :  on  which  wondrous  forms 
were  wrought,  bears,  and  wild  boars,  and  terrible  lions,  and 
contests,  and  battles,  and  slaughters,  and  slayings  of  men  ;  he 
who  devised  that  thong  with  his  art,  never  having  wrought 
such  an  one  before,  could  he  work  any  other  such.  ^But  he 
immediately  knew  me,  when  he  saw  me  with  his  eyes,  and 
pitying  me,  addressed  winged  words : 

“‘O  Jove-born  son  of  Laertes,  much-contriving  Ulysses, 
ah  wretched  one,  thou  too  art  certainly  pursuing  some  evil 
fate,  which  I  also  endured  under  the  beams  of  the  sun.  I 
was  indeed  the  son  of  Jove,  the  son  of  Saturn,  but  I  had  in¬ 
finite  labor;  for  1  was  subjected  to  a  much  inferior  man, 
who  enjoined  upon  me  difficult  contests:  and  once  he  sent  me 
hither  to  bring  the  dog,  for  he  did  not  think  that  there  was 
any  contest  more  difficult  than  this.  I  indeed  brought  it  up 

I  have  been  unwillin"  to  qualify  this  hold  and  picturesque  epithet 
by  destroying  the  luetaphor,  especially  after  the  remarks  of  Aristotle, 
Khet.  iii.  11. 


C25— 639.  XII.  1—9.]  ODYSSEY.  XII. 


1G3 


and  led  it  from  Pluto’s,  but  Mercury  and  blue-eyed  Minerva 
escorted  me.’ 

‘‘  Thus  having  spoken,  he  went  again  within  the  house  of 
Pluto.  But  I  remained  there  firmly,  if  by  chance  any  one  of 
the  heroes,  who  perished  in  former  times,  would  still  come ; 
and  I  should  now  still  have  seen  former  men,  whom  I  wished, 
[Theseus,  and  Pirithoiis,  glorious  children  of  the  gods;]  but 
hrst  myriads  of  nations  of  the  dead  were  assembled  around 
me  with  a  divine  clamor ;  and  pale  fear  seized  me,  lest  to  me 
illustrious  Proserpine  should  send  a  Gorgon  head  of  a  terrific 
monster^^  from  Orcus.  Going  then  immediately  to  my  ship, 
I  ordered  my  companions  to  go  on  board  themselves,  and  to 
loose  the  hawsers.  But  they  quickly  embarked,  and  sat  down 
on  the  benches.  And  the  wave  of  the  stream  carried  it 
through  the  ocean  river,  first  the  rowing  and  afterward  a  fair 
wind. 


BOOK  XII. 

.  ARGUMENT. 

He  relates  his  return  from  the  infernal  regions  to  Circe’s  island,  and  her 
advice. respecting  his  return  home.  How  he  escaped  the  Sirens,  Scylla, 
and  Charybdis.  His  ai'rival  in  Sicily,  where  his  companions,  having 
eaten  the  oxen  of  the  Sun,  were  shipwrecked  and  lost;  he  concludes 
by  relating  his  arrival,  alone,  carried  on  the  mast  of  his  ship,  at  the 
island  of  Calypso. 

“  But  when  the  sliip  left  the  stream  of  the  river  Ocean, 
and  came  back  to  the  wave  of  the  wide-wayed  sea,  to  the  isl¬ 
and  of  Aiasa,  where  are  the  abodes  and  dancing-places^  of 
Aurora,  the  mother  of  dawn,  and  the  risings  of  the  sun  :  hav¬ 
ing  come  here,  we  drew  u})  our  ship  on  the  sands,  and  we 
ourselves  disembarked  upon  the  shore  of  the  sea.  Here  ly¬ 
ing  down  to  sleep  we  awaited  divine  morning:  but  when  the 
mother  of  dawn,  rosy-fingered  morning,  appeared,  then  I  sent 
forward  my  companions  to  the  house  of  Circe,  to  bring  the 

Hence  Milton,  Par.  Lost,  ii.  610: 

“But  hue  withstands,  and  to  oppose  th’  attempt 
Medusa  with  Gorgonian  terror  guards 
The  ford.” 

-  I  prefer  taking  xopolci  in  this  sense,  although  “  dances”  is  by  no 
means  unsuitable.  See  my  note  on  Alsch.  Ag.  p.  95,  n.  3,  ed.  Bohn. 


1G4 


ODYSSEY.  XIL 


[10—49. 


corpse,  tlie  dead  Elpenor.  And  immediately  cutting  trunks, 
where  the  sliore  projected  the  farthest,  we  buried  [him]  in 
sorrow,  shedding  the  w  arm  tear.  J4ut  when  the  corpse  Avas 
burned,  and  the  arms  of  the  dead,  having  built  a  tomb,  and 
having  erected  a  column  over  it,  we  fixed  the  well-fitted  oar 
at  the  top  of  the  tomb. 

“We  indeed  went  through  every  thing;  nor  yet  returning 
from  Hades  did  we  escape  Circe,  but  she  came  very  quickly, 
hastening :  and  her  female  attendants  with  her  brought  bread, 
and  much  flesh,  and  dark-red  wine.  And  she,  the  divine  one 
of  goddesses,  standing  in  the  middle  of  us,  addressed  us : 

“‘Wretched  ones  !  who  alive  have  come  under  the  house 
of  Pluto,  twice  dead,  when  other  men  die  but  once.  Put 
come,  eat  food  and  drink  wine  here  through  the  whole  day ; 
and  ye  shall  sail  together  with  morn  appearing  ;  but  I  Avill 
show  you  the  way;  and  will  instruct  you  in  every  thing; 
that  ye  may  not  grieve  at  all,  suffering  harm  either  on  the 
sea  or  on  land  by  some  grievous  bad  counsel.’ 

“  Thus  she  spoke ;  but  our  noble  mind  was  forthwith  per¬ 
suaded.  Thus,  then,  during  the  whole  day  until  sunset,  we 
sat  feasting  on  abundant  flesh  and  sweet  wine ;  but  when  the 
sun  had  sunk,  and  darkness  came  on,  they  indeed  slept  near 
the  cables  of  the  ship ;  but  she,  taking  me  by  the  hand,  at  a 
distance  from  my  dear  companions,  made  me  sit  down,  and 
reclined  opposite, ^  and  inquired  every  thing  of  me ;  and  I  re¬ 
lated  all  things  rightly  to  her.  And  then  indeed  venerable 
Circe  addressed  me  with  words ; 

“  ‘  All  these  things  indeed  have  thus  been  performed ;  but 
do  thou  listen,  how  I  will  tell  thee,  and  a  deity  himself  will 
make  thee  remember  it.  First  indeed  thou  wilt  come  to  the 
Sirens,  who  charm  all  men,  whoever  comes  to  them.  Whoso¬ 
ever  through  ignorance  has  approached  and  heard  the  voice  of 
the  Sirens,  by  no  means  do  his  wife  and  infant  children  stand 
near  him  when  he  returns  home,  nor  do  they  rejoice.  Put 
the  Sirens,  sitting  in  a  meadow,  soothe  him  with  a  shrill  song, 
and  around  there  is  a  large  heap  of  bones  of  men  rotting,  and 
skins  waste  away  round  about.  Put  sail  beyond;  and  anoint 
the  ears  of  thy  companions,  moulding  sweet  wax,  lest  any  one 
of  the  others  should  hear ;  but  do  thou  thyself  hear,  if  thou 

^  So  Clarke  and  Cowper,  but  I  think  the  Scholiast  is  more  correct  in 
explaining  it,  spoke  to. 


50—88.] 


ODYSSEY.  XII. 


1G5 


wilt.  Let  them  bind  tliee  bands  and  feet  in  the  swift  ship, 
upright  in  the  mast-hole;  and  let  cables  be  bound  from  it; 
that,  delighted,  thou  mayest  hear  the  voice  of  the  Sirens :  but 
if  thou  entreatest  thy  companions,  and  biddest  them  loose 
thee,  let  them  then  bind  thee  in  still  more  bonds.  But  when 
tiiy  companions  shall  have  sailed  beyond  these,  then  I  can  not 
tell  thee  accurately  which  will  afterward  be  thy  way ;  but  do 
thou  thyself  consider  in  thy  mind ;  but  I  will  tell  thee  of 
both  ways.  There  indeed  are  lofty  rocks  ;  and  near  them  the 
vast  wave  of  dark  Amphitrite  resounds ;  the  blessed  gods  call 
them  the  Wanderers  ;  here  nor  birds  pass  by,  nor  timid  doves, 
which  carry  ambrosia  to  father  Jove;  but  the  smooth  rock 
always  takes  aw^ay  some  one  of  them,  but  the  father  sends 
another  to  make  up  the  number.  From  this  not  yet  has  any 
ship  of  men  escaped,  w  hichever  has  come  to  it ;  but  the  wave 
of  the  sea  and  the  stonns  of  destructive  fire  take  aw^ay  planks 
of  ships  and  bodies  of  men  together.  That  sea-traversing 
ship  alone  has  sailed  by  it,  Argo,  a  care  unto  all,  w’hich  sailed 
from  Aretes :  and  now^  perhaps  it^  w^ould  have  quickly  dashed 
it  there  against  mighty  rocks,  but  Juno  sent  it  on,  since 
Jason  was  dear  [to  lier].  But  as  to  the  two  rocks,'^  the 
one  reaches  the  w  ide  heaven  with  its  sharp  top,  and  a  dark- 
gray  cloud  surrounds  it :  this  indeed  never  withdraw^s,^  nor  does 
a  clear  sky  ever  pos.  ess  its  top,  either  in  the  summer  or  in 
the  autumn  ;  nor  could  a  mortal  man  ascend  it,  or  descend, 
not  if  he  had  tw^enty  hands  and  feet;  for  the  rock  is  smooth, 
like  unto  one  polished  around.  But  in  the  middle  of  the 
rock  tliere  is  a  shadowy  cave  toward  the  west,  turned  to 
Erebus;*^  wdiere  do  thou,  O  illustrious  Ulysses,  direct  thy 
hollow  ship.  Nor  could  a  young  man  darting  an  arrow'  from 
a  bow'  from  a  hollow  ship  reach  the  deep  cave.  Here  Scylla 
dwells,  shiieking  out  terribly;  her  voice  indeed  is  as  of  a 
new'-born  whelp,  but  she  herself  is  a  vast  monster;  nor  would 
any  rejoice  seeing  [her],  not  even  if  a  god  should  meet 

^  Viz.  the  wave. 

*  Put  for  riot'  Si  Si>a  aK07ri\(ov.  See  Thiersch,  Gk.  Gr.  §  276,  6,  re¬ 
ferred  to  by  Loewe,  and  iny  note  on  Aiscli.  Prom.  p.  8,  ed.  Bohn. 

^  So  in  11.  B.  171),  dXX’  lOi  vvv  Kara  Xaov  ’ A\cito)v, /itiSk  r  tpioti.  See 
Biittni.  Lexil.  p.  310,  s(p 

®  With  this  [K-riphrasis  for  the  West  we  may  not  inaptly  compare 
Otixj  tor  Hades  in  Soph.  (Ed.  177. 


ICG 


ODYSSEY.  XIL 


[80— 12(;. 


her.  She  has  twelve  slender'^  feet  in  all ;  and  she  has  six 
very  long  necks ;  and  on  each  there  is  a  terrific  head,  and 
in  it  three  rows  of  teeth,  thick  and  frequent,  full  of  black 
death.  She  is  sunk  in  the  middle  through  her  hollow 
cave  :  and  she  holds  forth  her  heads  out  of  the  terrible  abyss, 
and  fishes  there,  watching  about  the  rock,  for  dolphins,  and 
dogs,  and  if  she  can  any  where  take  a  larger  whale,  which 
deep-groaning  Amphitrite  feeds  in  countless  numbers.  By 
whom  unharmed  never  at  any  time  do  sailors  boast  that 
they  have  fled  by  in  their  ship;  but  snatching  a  man  with 
each  of  her  heads  from  a  dark-pro  wed  ship,  she  bears  him 
away.  But  thou  wilt  see  the  other  rock  lower,  O  Ulysses, 
each  near  to  the  other ;  and  thou  couldst  reach  it  with  an 
arrow.  In  this  there  is  a  large  wild  fig-tree  flourishing  with 
leaves ;  under  this  divine  Charybdis  sucks  in  black  winter. 
For  thrice  in  a  day  she  sends  it  out,  and  thrice  she  sucks  it 
in  teri'ibly :  mayest  thou  not  come  thither  when  she  is  gulp¬ 
ing  it ;  for  not  even  Neptune  could  free  thee  from  ill.  But 
by  all  means  sailing  to  the  rock  of  Scylla,  drive  thy  ship 
quickly  beyond  ;  since  it  is  much  better  to  regret*^  six  com¬ 
panions  in  a  ship,  than  all  together.’ 

“Thus  she  spoke;  but  I  answering  addressed  her:  ‘Come 
then,  tell  me  this  truly,  O  goddess ;  if  I  can  by  any  means 
escape  out  from  destructive  Charybdis,  should  I  be  revenged 
upon  her,  when  she  has  harmed  my  companions  V 

“  Thus  I  spoke  ;  but  she,  the  divine  one  of  goddesses,  im¬ 
mediately  answered  :  ‘  O  wretched  one,  are  wjirlike  deeds  and 
labor  still  a  care  to  thee?  nor  wilt  thou  yield  to  the  immor¬ 
tal  gods?  She  is  not  indeed  mortal,  but  is  an  immortal  evil, 
terrible,  and  difiicult,  and  fierce,  nor  to  be  fouglit  with.  Nor 
is  there  any  defense;  it  is  best  to  flee  from  her:  for  if  thou 
shouldst  delay,  arming  thyself,  by  the  rock,  1  fear  lest  again 
jxttacking  thee  she  would  reach  thee  with  so  many  heads,  and 
would  take  away  so  many®  men.  But  sail  on  very  quickly 
and  call  for  help  to  Cratieis,  the  mother  of  Scylla,  who  brought 
her  forth  a  destruction  to  mortals,  wdio  will  immediately  hinder 
her  from  attacking  thee  afterward. 

’  XfTTToi,  t)  TrapaiMpQVjm>oi  Kai  na9fi>n£.  Enst. 

Eeatly  exi)resscd  by  Virg.  yEn.  i.  221,  “  Ainissos  longo  sooios  sx'r- 
nione  reqab'vut."  Cf.  300,  pi>p<jaf.itvoi  di)  tirtira  (piXovf;  tKXaioi'  tTaipoi.'Q. 

*  i.  c.  as  many  as  before. 


127— 1G7.] 


ODYSSEY.  XIL 


1G7 


“  ‘  And  thou  'vvilt  come  to  the  island  Trinacria  where 
are  fed  many  oxen  and  fat  slieep  of  the  Sun,^’  seven  herds 
of  oxen,  and  as  many  beautiful  flocks  of  sheep,  and  fifty  in 
each  ;  but  there  is  no  increase  of  them,  nor  do  they  ever  per¬ 
ish  ;  but  goddesses  are  their  shepherdesses,  the  fair-haired 
nymphs,  Phaethusa,  and  Lampetie,  whom  divine  Nejera  bore 
to  the  sun  who  journeys  above.  Whom  having  nourished  and 
brought  them  forth,  their  venerable  mother  sent  them  away  to 
the  Trinacrian  island,  to  dwell  afar  off,  to  guard  their  father's 
slieep  and  crumpled-horned  oxen.  If  thou  leavest  tliese  un¬ 
harmed,  and  carest  for  thy  return,  thou  mayest  yet  come  to 
Itliaca,  although  suffering  evils;  but  if  thou  harmest  them, 
tlien  1  foretell  to  thee  destruction  to  thy  ship  and  thy  coni- 
jianions  ;  and  although  thou  shouldst  thyself  escape,  thou  wait 
return  late,  in  misfortune,  having  lost  all  thy  companions.’ 

“Thus  she  spoke;  but  golden-throned  morning  immedi¬ 
ately  came.  The  divine  one  of  goddesses  then  went  aw^ay 
through  the  island  ;  but  I,  going  to  my  ship,  excited  my  com¬ 
panions  to  embark  themselves,  and  to  loose  the  hawsers.  But 
they  immediately  w^ent  on  board,  and  sat  dowm  on  the  benches, 
and  sitting  in  order  they  smote  the  hoary  sea  wdtli  their  oars. 
Then  the  fair-haired  Circe,  an  awful  goddess,  possessing  hu¬ 
man  speech,  sent  a  prosperous  gale  behind  our  dark-prowed 
ship,  that  filled  the  sails,  an  excellent  companion.  Immedi¬ 
ately  having  got  ready  all  our  tackle  in  the  ship,  w'e  sat 
down  ;  and  the  wind  and  the  helmsman  directed  it.  Then 
sorrowing  in  my  heart,  I  addressed  my  companions : 

“  ‘  O  my  friends,  it  is  not  fit  that  one  or  two  only  should 
know  the  oracles,  wdiich  Circe,  divine  one  of  goddesses,  has 
spoken  unto  me  ;  but  J  wall  tell  you,  that  being  aw^are  we 
may  either  die,  or  avoiding  it  may  escape  death  and  Fate. 
First  she  commands  us  to  shun  the  voice  of  the  divine  Sirens, 
and  their  flow'^ery  mead  ;  she  ordered  me  alone  to  hear  their 
voice ;  but  do  ye  bind  me  in  a  difficult  bond,  that  I  may  re¬ 
main  there  firmly,  upright  in  the  mast-hole :  and  let  cables 
be  fastened  from  it.  But  if  I  entreat  you,  and  command  you 
to  loose  me,  do  ye  then  press  me  wdth  still  more  bonds.’ 

“  I  indeed  telling  every  thing,  related  it  to  my  companions : 
but  in  the  mean  time  the  w'cll-made  ship  came  quickly  to  the 
island  of  the  Sirens;  for  a  harmless  prosperous  gale  urged  it 
i.  c.  Sicily,  “Triquetris  insulae”  in  Lucretius.  Cf.  i.  8,  sqq. 


iG8 


ODYSSEY.  Xir. 


2168^-208. 


on.  Immediately  then  the  wind  ceased,  and  there  was  Ji  wind¬ 
less  calm,  and  a  deity  hushed  the  winds  to  sleep.  And  my 
companions  rising  up,  furled  the  sails  of  the  ship,  and  placed 
them  in  the  hollow  ship ;  and  they  sitting  on  their  oars, 
whitened  the  water  with  their  polished  blades  of  fir.  Hut  I 
having  cut  in  small  pieces  a  large  circle  of  wax  with  the 
sharp  brass,  pressed  it  with  my  strong  hands :  and  the  wax 
immediately  became  warm,  for  the  great  force  compelled  it, 
and  the  shining  of  the  sun,  the  king,  the  son  of  Him  that 
journeys  on  high  :  and  I  anointed  it  in  turn  upon  the  ears  of 
all  my  companions.  But  they  bound  me  both  hands  and  feet 
together  in  the  ship,  upright  in  the  mast-hole,  and  they  fast¬ 
ened  cables  from  it ;  and  they  themselves  sitting  down  smote 
the  hoary  sea  with  their  oars.  But  when  we  weie  so  far  dis¬ 
tant  as  one  makes  himself  heard  shouting  out,  going  on  swift¬ 
ly,  the  ship  passing  the  sea  ciuickly,  driving  near,  did  not  es¬ 
cape  them,  but  they  prepared  a  tuneful  song. 

“  ‘  Come  hither,  O  much-praised  Ulysses,  great  glory  of  the 
Grecians,  stop  thy  ship,  that  thou  inayest  hear  our  voice  ;  for 
no  one  has  yet  passecl  by  here  in  a  black  ship,  before  he  has 
heard  the  sweet  voice  from  our  mouths  ;  but  he  goes  away 
delighted,  and  acciuainted  with  more  things.  For  we  ken  all 
things,  whatever  the  Grecians  and  Trojans  suffered  by  the 
will  of  the  gods  in  spacious  Troy ;  and  we  know  whatever 
things  are  done  in  the  food-abounding  earth.’ 

“Thus  they  spoke,  uttering  a  sweet  sound;  but  my  heart 
wished  to  hear  them,  and  I  ordered  my  companions  to  loose 
me,  nodding  with  my  eyebrows;  but  they  falling  forward 
rowed ;  and  Ferimedes  and  Eurylochus  immediately  rising, 
bound  me  with  more  bonds,  and  pressed  me  still  more.  But 
when  it  passed  by  them,  and  we  no  longer  heard  the  voice  of 
the  Sirens,  nor  their  song,  my  beloved  companions  immediate¬ 
ly  took  away  the  wax,  which  1  anointed  on  their  ears,  and 
loosed  me  from  the  bonds.  But  when  we  had  now  left  the 
island,  immediately  I  saw  smoke  and  a  vast  wave,  and  heard 
a  noise.  The  oars  Hew  from  the  hands  of  them  terrified  ;  and 
all  making  a  noise  [went]  down  the  stream  ;  but  the  ship  was 
stopped  there,  since  they  no  longer  urged  the  extended  oars 
with  their  hands.  But  J  went  tlirough  the  shij),  and  incited 
my  companions  with  mild  words,  standing  near  each  man  : 

“  ‘  O  my  friends,  we  are  not  by  any  means  ignorant  of  mis- 


20a— 250.] 


ODYSSEY.  XII. 


1G9 


fortunes.  This  evil  indeed  does  not  come  greater  upon  us 
than  wlien  the  Cyclops  shut  us  in  his  hollow  cave  by  pow¬ 
erful  force ;  but  we  escaped  even  from  thence  by  my  valor, 
and  counsel  and  prudence ;  and  I  think  that  you  will  some 
time  remember^^  these  things.  But  now  come,  let  us  all  obey, 
as  I  direct ;  do  ye  smite  the  deep  billow  of  the  sea  with  your 
oars,  sitting  on  the  benches,  if  Jove  will  by  chance  grant  us 
to  escape  from  and  avoid  this  death.  But  to  thee  I  order 
thus,  O  helmsman,  and  lay  it  up  in  thy  mind,  since  thou  art 
managing  the  rudder  of  the  hollow  ship ;  keep  the  ship  off 
from  this  smoke  and  wave ;  and  do  thou  observe  the  rocl-^ 
lest  rushing  out  thence  she  escape  thy  notice,  and  thou  cast 
us  into  evil.’ 

‘‘Thus  I  spoke  ;  and  they  quickly  obeyed  my  words.  But 
I  did  not  speak  of  Scylla,  an  unavoidable-^  evil,  lest  my  com¬ 
panions,  terrified,  should  cease  from  rowing,  and  huddle  them¬ 
selves  within.  And  then  I  forgot  the  terrible  command  cf 
Circe,  for  she  ordered  me  not  to  arm  myself;  but  I,  having 
put  on  my  noble  arms,  and  taking  two  long  spears  in  my 
liands,  w^ent  to  the  deck  of  the  ship's  prow ;  for  I  expected 
that  rocky  Scylla,  who  brought  harm  to  my  companions,  would 
appear  from  thence  first.  Nor  could  I  perceive  her  any 
where  ;  but  my  eyes  toiled,  looking  every  where  to  the  dark 
rock.  And  we  sailed  through  the  strait,  mourning,  for  on 
one  side  was  Scylla,  and  on  the  other  divine  Charybdis  terri¬ 
bly  sucked  in  the  briny  water  of  the  sea.  When  she  vomited 
it  out,  it  all  murmured,  bubbling  up’ as  a  caldron  on  a  hirgc 
fire,  and  the  foam  fell  on  high  upon  both  the  lofty  rocks.  But 
when  she  drank  up  the  briny  water  of  the  sea,  it  all  appeared 
bubbling  up  within  ;  and  thundered  terribly  about  the  rock, 
and  the  earth  appeared  below  with  azure^^  sand  ;  and  pale 
fear  seized  them.  We  indeed  looked  to  this,  fearing  destruc¬ 
tion.  And  Scylla  in  the  mean  time  took  six  of  my  companions 
from  the  hollow  ship,  who  Avere  best  in  their  hands  and  their 
strength.  And  looking  to  the  swift  ship  and  to  my  compan¬ 
ions  at  the  same  time,  J  now  perceived  the  feet  and  hands 
above  of  them  raised  on  high;  and  calling  out,  they  addressed 
me  by  my  name,  there  for  the  last  time,  sorrowing  at  hcai-t 

'•2  Cf.  Vhg.  JFa\.  i.  202,  sqq. 

uTrprjKTOv  is  cquiv-alcnt  uiropov^  a/itixcd'ov. 

®  IVubably  a  pale,  greciiisb  gray  is  tlie  color  meant. 

Jl 


170 


ODYSSEY.  XII. 


[251— 


As  when  on  fi  jutting  rock  i\  fisherman  with  a  very  long  re¬ 
throwing  food  as  a  snare  for  little  fishes,  sends  the  horn  of  a 
rustic  ox  into  the  sea,  and  then  snatching  it  [a  fish]  up,  throw.? 
it  out  panting ;  so  they  panting  were  raised  up  to  the  rocks : 
and  there  at  the  door  she  fed  upon  them  crying  out,  stretching 
out  their  hands  to  me  in  dreadful  calamity.  That  of  a  truth 
was  the  most  miserable  of  all  the  things  that  I  witnessed  with 
mine  eyes,  whatever  I  suffered,  searching  out  the  Avays  of  the 
3ca. 

‘‘‘But  Avhen  we  escaped  the  rocks,  both  terrible  Charybdis 
and  Scylla,  we  came  immediately  af\erward  to  the  blameless 
island  of  the  god ;  there  Avere  beautiful  oxen  with  Avide  fore¬ 
heads,  and  many  fat  sheep  of  the  Sun  that  journeys  above. 
Then  I,  still  going  on  the  sea  in  a  black  ship,  heard  the  Ioav- 
ing  of  oxen  in  stalls,  and  the  bleating  of  sheep :  and  there 
came  into  my  mind  the  Avord  of  the  blind  prophet,  Theban 
Tiresias,  and  of  iEoBan  Circe,  Avho  charged  me  very  often  to 
avoid  the  island  of  the  mortal-rejoicing  Sun.  Then  I  address¬ 
ed  my  companions,  sorrowing  in  my  heart : 

“  ‘  Plear  my  Avords,  O  companions,  although  suffering  evils, 
that  I  may  tell  you  the  oracles  of  Tiresias,  and  of  iEoean  Circe, 
AA'ho  charged  me  A^ery  often  to  avoid  the  island  of  the  Sun  that 
journeys  above  ;  for  she  said  that  from  hence  Avould  be  a  most 
terrible  evil  unto  us.  But  drive  the  black  ship  beyond  the 
island.’ 

“Thus  I  spoke;  but  their  dear  heart  AA'as  broken  doAvn. 
And  Eurylochus  immediately  ansAA’ered  me  with  a  harsh 
speech:  ‘Thou  art  severe,  O  Ulysses;  thou  hast  exceeding 
might,  nor  art  thou  fatigued  as  to  your  limbs  ;  surely  all  of  them 
ar^ of  iron,  [since]  thou  dost  not  suffer  thy  companions,  Avea- 
ried  out  Avith  toil,  and  [oppressed  Avith]  sleep,^^  to  go  upon  the 
land,  Avhere  Ave  may  again  prepare  an  agreeable  supper  in  the 
sea-girt  island ;  but  tliou  commandest  us  to  Avander  in  vain 
through  the  swift  night,  straying  from  the  island  in  the 
misty °sea.  During  the  nights  troublesome  Avinds  arise,  the 
destruction  of  ships :  hoAv  could  any  one  escape  from  utter 
destruction,  if  a  storm  of  Avind  should  by  chance  come  on  a 
sudden,  either  from  the  South  or  hard-bloAving  West,  Avhich 
especially  destroy  ships,  against  the  AA  ill  of  the  gods,  Avho  are 
kings'?  But  let  us  indeed  noAv  obey  black  night,  and  let  us 
I  follow  Clarke’s  intcri)rctation.  Sec  Locavc. 


292—334.] 


ODYSSEY.  XII. 


171 


get  ready  supper^  remaining  near  tlie  swift  ship;  and,  em* 
barking  in  the  morning,  let  us  enter  on  the  wide  sea.’ 

“Thus  spoke  Eurylochus;  and  my  other  companions  ap¬ 
proved  :  and  then  I  knew  that  the  deity  meditated  evils :  and 
addressing  liim  I  spoke  winged  words : 

“‘O  Eurylochus,  surely  now  ye  compel  me  much,  being 
alone  ;  but  come,  all  of  you,  now  swear  a  strong  oath  to  me, 
if  we  find  any  herd  of  oxen,  or  great  fiock  of  sheep,  no  one 
will  kill  either  ox,  or  even  sheep,  through  his  infatuation  : 
but  quiet  do  ye  eat  the  food  which  immortal  Circe  gave  us.’ 

“Thus  I  spoke;  and  they  immediately  swore  as  I  com¬ 
manded  :  but  when  they  had  sworn  and  finished  the  oath,  we 
stationed  the  well-made  ship  in  the  hollow  port,  near  the 
sweet  water:  and  my  companions  went  out  of  the  ship,  and 
then  skillfully  prepared  supper.  But  when  they  had  taken 
away  the  desire  of  drinking  and  eating,  then  calling  to  mind 
their  dear  companions  whom  Scylla  ate,  having  taken  them  out 
from  the  black  ship,  they  wept ;  and  sweet  sleep  came  upon 
them  weeping.  But  when  it  was  the  third  part  of  the  night, 
and  the  stars  went  down,  cloud-collecting  Jove  raised  against 
us  a  strong  wind,  with  a  mighty  Avhirlwind,  and  covered  earth 
and  heaven  at  the  same  time  with  clouds ;  and  night  arose 
from  heaven.  But  Avhen  the  mother  of  dawn,  rosy-fingered 
morning,  appeared,  ^ve  moored  our  ship,  drawing  it  into  a  hol¬ 
low  cave ;  there  were  the  beautiful  dancing  places  and  the 
seats  of  Nymphs ;  and  then  I,  having  formed  an  assembly, 
spoke  unto  them  ail : 

“‘O  my  friends,  there  is  food  and  drink  in  the  SAvift  ship  ; 
but  let  us  abstain  from  the  oxen,  lest  Ave  suffer  any  thing. 
For  these  are  the  oxen  and  fat  sheep  of  a  dread  god,  the  Sun, 
Avlio  overlooks  all  things,  and  hears  all  things.’ 

“Thus  I  spoke;  and  their  noble  mind  Avas  persuaded. 
But  the  South  Avind  blcAV  Avithout  ceasing  for  a  Avhole  month, 
nor  Avas  there  any  other  Avind  aftei’Avard  except  the  East  and 
South.  But  they,  Avhile  they  had  food  and  red  Avine,  so  long 
abstained  from  the  oxen,  being  desirous  of  life:  but  Avhen 
all  the  provisions  Avere  now  consumed  out  of  the  ship,  then 
Avandering  of  necessity  they  followed  after  booty,  fish  and 
birds,  acceptable,  Avhatever  came  to  their  hands,  Avith  crooked 
hooks  :  but  hunger  wore  doAvn  their  belly.  Then  I  Avent  aAvay 
through  the  island,  that  I  might  pray  to  the  gods,  if  any  one 


172 


ODYSSEY.  XII. 


[335—373. 


would  show  me  the  way  to  return.  But  when  now  I  avoided 
my  companions,  going  through  the  island,  having  washed  my 
hands  where  there  was  a  shelter  from  the  wind,  1  made  vows 
to  all  the  gods  who  inhabit  Olympus :  and  they  poured  sweet 
sleep  over  my  eyebrows.  But  Eurylochus  was  the  beginner 
of  evil  counsel  unto  my  companions. 

“  ‘  Hear  my  words,  O  companions,  although  suffering  evils  : 
all  deaths  arc  hatefid  to  wretched  mortals ;  but,  through 
hunger,  it  is  most  miserable  to  die  and  draw  on  one’s  fate. 
But  come,  having  driven  away  the  best  of  the  oxen  of  tlie 
Sun,  we  will  sacrifice  to  the  immortals  who  possess  the  wide 
heaven.  But  if  we  come  to  Ithaca,  our  father-land,  we  will 
immediately  build  a  rich  temple  to  the  Sun,  who  journeys  on 
high,  where  we  may  place  many  and  excellent  images.  But 
if  by  any  means  wrathful  on  account  of  the  straight-horned 
oxen,  he  should  wish  to  destroy  our  ship,  and  the  other  gods 
follow,  I  had  rather  at  once  lose  my  life  gaping  in  the  wave, 
than  waste  away  any  longer,  remaining  on  a  desert  island.’ 

“Thus  spoke  Eurylochus;  and  my  other  companions  ap¬ 
proved.  But  immediately  having  driven  the  best  of  the  oxen 
of  the  Sun  from  near  at  hand  (for  the  beautiful  black  oxen, 
with  their  broad  foreheads,  pastured  not  far  away  from  the 
dark-prowed  ship),  they  stood  around  them,  and  prayed  to 
tiie  gods,  having  cropped  the  tender  leaves  of  a  lofty-tressed 
oak ;  for  they  had  not  white  barley  on  the  well-benched  ship. 

“  But  when  they  had  prayed,  and  slain  and  skinned  them, 
they  cut  off*  the  thighs,  and  covered  theni  with  fat,  doubling 
them,  and  they  set  the  raw  parts  upon  them:  nor  had  they 
wine  to  make  libations  over  the  burned  sacrifices,  but  making 
libations  with  water,  they  roasted  all  the  entrails.  But  when 
they  had  burned  the  thighs,  and  tasted  the  bowels,  they  cut  up 
the  other  parts,  and  fixed  them  on  s})its  :  and  then  sweet  sleep 
rushed  away  from  my  eyebrows :  and  I  hastened  to  the  swift 
ship  and  the  shore  of  the  sea.  But  as  I  was  now  going  near 
the  ship  rowed  on  both  sides,  then  the  sweet  vapor  of  the 
fat  came  upon  me  :  and  mourning,  I  cried  out  to  the  immortal 
gods : 

“  ‘  O  father  Jove,  and  ye  other  blessed  gods,  who  exist  for¬ 
ever,  certainly  ye  laiil  me  to  sleep  in  a  pitiless  sleep,  to  my 
harm,  but  my  companions  remaining  here  have  devised  a 
heinous  deed.’ 


374—415.] 


ODYSSEY.  XII. 


173 


“But  quickly  to  the  Sun,  who  journeys  ubove,  came  Lani- 
petia,  wearing  a  large  garment,  as  a  messenger,  that  we  (my 
companions)  had  slain  his  oxen.  And  he  immediately  ad¬ 
dressed  the  immortals,  enraged  at  heart : 

“  ‘  O  father  Jove,  and  ye  other  bleSvSed  gods,  who  exist  for¬ 
ever,  punish  the  companions  of  Ulysses,  the  son  of  Laertes, 
Avho  have  insolently  slain  mine  oxen,  in  which  I  rejoiced  both 
coming  to  the  starry  heaven,  and  turning  back  again  to  earth 
from  heaven.  But  if  they  do  not  repay  me  a  proper  return 
for  my  oxen,  I  Avill  go  down  to  Pluto’s,  and  will  shine  among 
the  dead.’ 

“  But  him  cloud-collecting  Jove  ansAvering  addressed  :  ‘  O 
Sun,  do  thou  by  all  means  shine  among  the  immortals  and 
mortal  men,  over  the  fruitful  plain.  And  then  I,  striking  a 
little  their  SAvift  ship  Avith  a  Avhite  thunder-bolt,  Avill  quickly 
cleave  it  in  the  middle  of  the  dark  sea.’ 

“But  these  things  I  heard  from  fair-haired  Calypso;  and 
she  said  that  she  had  heard  them  from  the  messenger  Mer¬ 
cury.  But  Avhen  I  came  to  the  ship  and  the  sea,  I  chided 
them  one  after  another,  standing  near  them,  nor  could  avo  find 
any  remedy ;  for  the  oxen  Avere  noAv  dead.  Then  the  gods 
immediately  shoAved  prodigies  to  them  ;  the  skins  craAvled, 
and  the  flesh  loAved  on  the  spits,  both  roast  and  raAv ;  and 
there  Avas  a  voice  as  of  oxen.  For  six  days  then  my  beloved 
companions  feasted,  driving  aAvay  the  best  of  the  oxen  of  the 
Sun:  but  Avhen  JoA*e,  the  son  of  Saturn,  brought  on  the  sev¬ 
enth  day,  then  the  Avind  ceased  raging  Avith  a  tempest :  and 
AA'C,  straightAvay  embarking,  committed  ourselves  to  the  Avide 
sea:  having  erected  the  mast  and  draAvn  up  the  Avhite  sails. 

“But  Avhen  Ave  had  noAv  left  the  island,  nor  did  any  other 
land  appear,  but  the  heaven  and  the  sea,  then  the  son  of  Sat¬ 
urn  reared  an  azure  cloud  above  the  holloAv  ship ;  and  the 
sea  became  dark  beneath  it.  But  it  ran  for  no  very  long  time  ; 
for  immediately  came  the  clamoring  West  Avind,  rushing  Avith 
a  miglity  tempest :  and  the  storm  of  the  Avind  broke  both  the 
cables  of  the  mast ;  and  the  mast  fell  baclcAvard,  and  all  the 
tackle  Avas  throAvn  in  confusion  into  the  hold ;  and  he  struck 
the  head  of  the  helmsman  backAAmrd  in  the  ship,  and  broke  all 
the  bones  of  his  head  together;  and  he  fell  like  unto  a  diA'er 
from  the  deck,  and  his  noble  mind  left  Ids  bones  ;  and  Jove 
thundered  together,  and  liurled  a  thunder-bolt  upon  the  ship: 


174 


ODYSSEY.  XII. 


[410— 453. 


and  it  was  entirely  whirled  round,  stricken  witli  the  thunder¬ 
bolt  of  Jove,  and  it  was  tilled  with  sidplmr  ;  and  my  compan¬ 
ions  fell  from  the  ship.  And  they,  like  unto  gulls,  were  borne 
on  the  waves  around  the  black  ship  ;  for  the  deity  took  away 
their  return.  Hut  I  kept  going  about  through  the  ship,  until 
the  storm  loosed  the  sides  from  the  keel ;  and  the  wave  bore 
it  along  naked.  And  it  broke  out  the  mast  at  the  keel :  but 
a  thong  was  thrown  upon  it,  made  from  the  skin  of  an  ox. 
With  this  I  bound  both  together,  the  keel  and  the  mast :  and 
sitting  upon  them  I  Avas  borne  by  the  destructive  winds. 

“Then  indeed  the  West  wind  ceased  raging  with  a  storm, 
and  quickly  the  South  Avind  came  on,  bringing  grief  to  my 
mind,  that  I  should  again  measure  my  Avay  to  destructive 
Charybdis.  I  Avas  borne  along  during  the  Avhole  night ;  and 
together  Avith  the  rising  sun  I  came  to  the  rock  of  Scylla,  and 
terrible  Charybdis.  She  gulped  up  the  briny  Avater  of  the 
sea ;  but  I,  raised  on  high  to  the  lofty  fig-tree,  held  clinging 
to  it,  as  a  bat,  nor  could  I  any  Avhere  either  fix  myself  firmly 
Avith  my  feet,  or  ascend :  for  the  roots  Avere  far  off,  and  the 
branches  Avere  Avide  apart,  and  both  long  and  vast,  and  tliey 
overshadoAved  Charybdis.  Hut  I  held  Avithout  ceasing,  until 
she  vomited  out  again  the  mast  and  keel ;  and  it  came  late  to 
me  Avishing  for  it :  as  late  as  a  man  has  risen  from  the  forum 
to  go  to  su})per,  adjudging  many  contests  of  disputing  youths, 
so  late  these  planks  appeared  from  Charybdis.  And  1  put 
doAvn  my  leet,  and  my  hands  OA^er  them,  to  be  carried  along, 
and  1  fell  Avith  a  noise  in  the  middle  on  the  long  planks,  and 
sitting  upon  them,  I  roAvcd  Avith  my  hands.  Kor  did  the  fa¬ 
ther  of  men  and  of  gods  permit  Scylla  to  behold  me  any  more  ; 
for  I  could  not  have  escaped  bitter  destruction.  From  thence 
I  Avas  borne  along  nine  days ;  but  in  the  tenth  night  the  gods 
drove  me  to  the  island  Ogygia ;  Avherc  fair-haired  Calypso 
dAvelt,  an  aAvful  goddess,  possessing  human  speech,  Avho  re¬ 
ceived  me  kindly,  and  took  care  of  me.  Why  should  1  re¬ 
count  these  things  to  thee  ?  for  I  have  already  related  them 
yesterday  in  thine  house,  to  thee  and  thy  illustrious  Avife  ; 
but  it  is  hateful  to  me  to  recount  again  things  that  have  been 
told  full  plainly.” 

So  Horace,  “  nudum  remigio  latus.” 


I— 2LJ 


ODYSSEY.  Xlir. 


175 


BOOK  XIII. 

ARGUxMENT. 

Ilavinp;  concluded  his  narrative,  Ulysses  is  carried  asleep  to  Ithaca  by 
the  riiaeacians,  and  put  on  shore  with  the  presents  he  received  from 
them.  Neptune,  as  had  been  foretold,  transforms  the  ship  into  a  rock 
just  before  its  arrival  in  Pha3acia,  Minerva  meets  Ulysses  and  con¬ 
verses  with  him  respecting  the  destruction  of  the  suitors;  she  then 
hides  his  treasures  in  a  cave,  and  transforms  Ulysses  into  an  old  man. 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  they  all  becRiiie  still  in  silence,  and 
were  possessed  with  soothing  delight  in  the  shady  palace. 
But  him  Alcinous  answered  in  turn,  and  addressed  [him] : 

“  O  Ulysses,  since  thou  hast  come  to  my  brazen-founded, 
lofty-roofed  house,  therefore  I  think  that  thou  wilt  return 
back,  not  wandering  at  all  back  again,  although  thou  hast 
suffered  very  many  things.  But  to  each  man  of  you  I  speak 
these  things,  charging  you,  as  many  of  you  as  constantly  drink 
the  dark  honorary^  wine  in  my  palace,  and  listen  to  the  bard : 
there  already  lie  garments  for  the  stranger  in  a  well-polished 
chest,  and  much-wrought  gold,  and  all  other  presents,  what¬ 
ever  the  senators  of  the  Plneacians  have  brought  here;  but 
come,  let  us  give  to  him  a  large  tripod  and  caldron,  each 
man  but  we  again  will  pay  it  back,  being  assembled  among^ 
the  people,  for  it  is  a  difficult  thing  for  one  to  give  as  a  pres¬ 
ent.”^  ‘ 

Thus  spoke  Alcinous ;  and  his  words  pleased  them.  And 
each  of  them  went  home  about  to  sleep.  But  when  the  moth¬ 
er  of  dawn,  rosy-fmgered  morning,  appeared,  they  hastened  to 
the  ship,  and  brought  man-strengthening  brass ;  and  the  sa¬ 
cred  might  of  Alcinous  arranged  these  things  well,  he  him¬ 
self  going  through  the  ship  under  the  benches,  lest  they  should 

*  yepovaiov  olvov,  “tlic  best,  richest  wine,”  served  up  to  the  senators, 
and  people  ot  distinction,  q  tv  T<p  tCjv  yepovrujv  >]toi  ivTifiujv  ovpTrotrkf 
TTiv6p,tvoQ.  Eustath. 

^  avdpaicdc  kcit  dvdpa  e'va  eieacrrov.  Ilesych.  It  is  originally  a  sub¬ 
stantive  (as  in  Nicander,  Ther.  Gf  2),  but  is  used  adverbially  by  ilomer. 

^  Notwithstanding  Clarke’s  observation  that  dytipopai  is  always  used 
j)assiveltj  in  Ilomer,  the  old  prose  translator  has  utterly  mistaken  the 
l>assage,  rendering  it,  “we  will  again  repay  ourselves,  making  a  collec¬ 
tion  through  the  people.”  A  Homeric  sentiment,  forsooth  ! 

‘‘  Literallv,  “  for  nothing,”  genitive  of  Trpot?,  a  gift.  See  Thiersch, 
Gk.  Gr.  ]).  G!)8. 


176 


ODYSSEY.  XIII. 


1^22—55. 


liurt  any  of  his  companions  who  were  driving  on,  when  they 
hastened  with  their  oars.  But  they  went  to  Alci nous’s,^  and 
made  ready  a  feast.  And  the  sacred  might  of  Alcinoiis  sac¬ 
rificed  an  ox  for  them  to  Jove,  the  dark-clouded  son  of  Saturn, 
who  rules  over  all.  And  burning  the  tliighs,  they  banqueted 
a  glorious  banquet,  delighting  themselves :  and  among  them 
the  divine  bard  sang,  Demodocus,  honored  by  the  people :  but 
Ulysses  frequently  turned  his  head  toward  the  shining  sun, 
anxious  for  it  to  go  down  ;  for  now  he  desired  to  return.  And 
as  Avhen  a  man  is  longing  for  his  supper,  for  whom  during  the 
whole  day  two  dun  steers  have  drawn  the  compact  plow 
through  a  fallow,  and  welcome  to  him  the  light  of  the  sun  is 
setting,  that  he  may  go  to  supper,  and  his  knees  are  liurt  as 
he  goes :  so  welcome  to  Ul3^sses  did  the  light  of  the  sun  set. 
And  he  immediately  conversed  with  the  oar-loving  Phteacians, 
and  addressing  Alcinous  especially,  he  spoke  words : 

“  O  king  Alcinous,  most  glorious  of  all  the  people,  having 
made  libations,  do  ye  send  me  unharmed,®  and  yourselves  fare¬ 
well  :  for  now  are  the  things  completed  which  my  dear  mind 
wished,  an  escort  and  friendly  gifts,  which  may  the  heavenly 
gods  make  prosperous  for  me :  and  returning,  may  I  find  my 
spotless  wife  at  home,  with  my  friends,  in  safety.  But  do  ye, 
remaining  here,  delight  }^our  virgin-wedded  wives  and  chil¬ 
dren  ;  and  may  the  gods  accord  them  every  kind  of  virtue; 
and  may  there  be  no  public  evil.”  -* 

Thus  he  spoke,  and  they  all  approved,  and  ordered  them  to 
send  the  stranger,  since  he  had  spoken  rightly.  And  then 
Alcinous  addressed  the  herald  : 

“  O  Bontonous,  having  mixed  a  cup,  distribute  wine  to  all 
in  the  palace:  that  having  prayed  to  father  Jove,  we  may 
send  the  stranger  to  his  paternal  land.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  but  Bontonous  mixed  the  sweet  wine,  and 
distributed  it  to  all  in  succession  but  they  made  libations  to 

^  I  have  imitated  the  ellipse  in  the  original. 

®  Where  the  former  prose  translator  got  the  nords  “as  you  have 
promised,”  I  can  not  tell.  Ilis  version  a})})cars,  f\t  times,  to  have  been 
made  without  looking  at  the  text. 

^  Hesychius  gives  several  interpretations  of  this  word,  l<pt<Trr]Kwc,  ?; 
‘TTpoaraaia  ;  ?/  Kara  to  Cf.  ()d.  xii.  392,  and  Apoll.  llhod.  i.  293, 

dp<p'nroXoi  yodaoKov  tTriaTadov,  where  the  Scholiast  explains  it  by  t^fcr- 
rpKinai,  but  Iloelzlinus  more  correctly,  ex  online.  Sec  also  Biittmann, 
Lcxil.  p.  170. 


55 — OS.] 


ODYSSEY.  XIII. 


177 


the  blessed  gods  wlio  possess  the  wide  heaven,  in  the  same 
place  from  their  seats ;  and  divfne  Ulysses  rose  up,  and  he 
placed  the  round  cup  in  the  hands  of  Arete,  and  addressing 
her,  spoke  winged  words  : 

“  Farewell,  O  queen,  continually,  until  old  age  comes,  and 
death,  which  happen  to  men.  But  I  am  going,  and  do  thou 
be  delighted  in  this  house  with  thy  children,  and  the  people, 
and  king  Alcinous.*’ 

Thus  speaking,  divine  Ulysses  went  over  the  threshold  ;  but 
with  him  the  strength  of  Alcinous  sent  forward  a  herald,  to 
conduct  him  to  the  swift  ship  and  the  shore  of  the  sea.  And 
Arete  sent  women  servants  with  him ;  one  having  a  well- 
washed  robe,  and  garment,  and  another  she  sent  with  him  to 
carry  a  heavy  coffer :  and  another  carried  both  bread  and  red 
wine.  But  when  they  came  to  the  ship  and  the  sea,  his  il- 
lu-strious  conductors  immediately  receiving  the  things,  placed 
them  in  the  hollow  ship,  ail  the  diink  and  meat :  and  then 
they  strewed  a  rug  and  linen  for  Ulysses,  on  the  deck  of  the 
hollow  ship,  that  he  might  sleep  without  waking,®  at  the  stern  ; 
but  he  himself  embarked  and  lay  down  in  silence ;  and  each 
of  them  sat  on  the  benches  in  order ;  and  they  loosed  the  ca¬ 
ble  from  the  perforated  stone there  they,  reclining,  threw 
up  the  sea  with  the  oar,  and  sweet  sleep  fell  upon  his  eyelids, 
unwakeful,  most  pleasant,  the  nearest  like  death.  But  it,^® 
like  as  four-yoked  male  horses  in  the  plain,  all  incited  togeth¬ 
er  by  the  blows  of  the  scourge,  lifting  themselves  on  high, 
swiftly  pass  over  the  way  ;  so  its  prow  indeed  lifted  itself  up, 
and  the  mighty  purple  billow  of  the  much-rolling  sea  rushed 
behind.  And  very  safely  it  ran,  steadily  :  nor  could  a  falcon- 
hawk,  swiftest  of  birds,  have  followed  it  close.  So  it  running 
swiftly  cut  the  waves  of  the  sea,  bearing  a  man  who  possessed 
counsels  equal  to  the  gods :  who  before  had  suffered  very 
many  griefs  in  his  mind,  both  wars  of  men,  and  passing  the 
terrible  waves :  then  indeed  he  slept  fearlessly,  forgetting 
whatever  things  he  had  suffered. 

When  a  very  shining  star  arose,  which  especially  comes  an- 

®  XfJTTft  TO  VTTVOV.  EuStatll. 

®  XVhicli  served  as  a  kind  of  land  anchor.  Ilesvch.  tlwdaniv  iizl  rwv 
Ai^tvuiv  TpvTrav  XiOovg,  'iva  uvtCjv  to.  aTToyeia  cryoirta  i^d7rrt»taiv  ol 
vavrai. 

The  ship. 


■178 


ODYSSEY.  XIII. 


[91—122. 


nouncing  the  light  of  the  morning,  the  mother  of  day  ;  at  that 
time  then  the  ship  that  passes  over  the  sea  neared  the  island. 

Now  there  is  a  certain  liaven  of  Phorcys,  the  old  man  of 
the  sea,  among  the  people  of  Itliaca ;  and  there  are  two  ab¬ 
rupt  projecting  shores  in  it,  inclining  toward  the  port,^^  which 
swell  from  the  great  wave’^  of  hard  blowing  winds  from  with¬ 
out;  but  within  well-benched  ships  remain  without  a  chain, 
when  they  reach  the  goal  of  the  mooring  station.  Jlut  at 
the  head  of  the  port  there  is  a  large-leafed  olive ;  and  near 
it  a  delightful  cave,  shaded,  sacred  to  the  Nymphs,  who  are 
called  Naiads.  And  there  are  stone  cups  and  casks  in  it ;  and 
there  then  the  bees  stow  away  their  honey.^^  And  in  it  there 
arc  stone  distaffs  of  a  great  length,  and  there  the  Nymphs^'^ 
weave  their  sea-purple  robes,  a  marvel  to  behold.  And  in  it 
there  are  perpetual  flowing  waters  and  it  has  tw'o  doors : 
those  to  the  North  to  be  descended  by  men,  but  those  on  the 
other  hand,  to  the  South,  are  more  sacred ;  nor  do  men  enter 
at  all  by  that  way ;  but  it  is  the  way  of  the  immortals. 

There  they  drove  in,  being  before  acquainted  with  it ;  it^® 
indeed  ran  ashore  more  than  half  its  length,  hastening;  for  by 
the  hands  of  such  rowers  was  it  urged  on.  And  they  disem¬ 
barking  from  the  well-yoked  ship  to  the  shore,  first  lifted 
Ulysses  out  of  the  hollow  ship,  with  his  very  linen  and 
beautiful  rug,  and  placed  him,  overcome  with  sleep,  on  the 
sand.  And  they  took  out  the  property  which  the  illus¬ 
trious  Phmacians  gave  him  wlien  returning  home,  by  means 
of  magnanimous  Minerva.  And  they  placed  the  things  to- 

“  So  Ernesti,  with  the  Schol.  taio  vtvivKvlai,  deriving  it  from  TTpoaire- 
Tavvyj-ii,  not  from  TrpotnriTTTu). 

Clarke’s  Latin,  “a  ventis  defendant  rancis  magnum  fluctnm  ex¬ 
tra,”  is  not  suited  to  the  sense.  Kvpa  I  think  is  here  equivalent  to 
“swelling  mass.”  See  Alberti  on  llesych.  s.  v.  icupa  vdarog. 

Or,  “make  their  honey.”  llesych.  ivairoTidfVTaij  aTrodperavpi- 
^ovai  Tt)p  Tpo<pt)v  ai  p'&XirraL.  Porphyr.  de  antro  Nymph,  p.  259,  to 
TiOkvai,  T))v  iSoenv.  Buert^  di  Kal  Tpo<p>)  to  /.uXl  Taig  peXicraaig.  Cf. 
Apollon.  Lex.  It  is  akin  to  Tpotpi],  TiBdaog,  Tps^eiv,  etc.  See  Liddell 
and  Scott,  s.  v.  The  allegorical  meanings  of  honey  are  somewhat  whim¬ 
sically  discussed  by  Porphyry,  ibid.  p.  2G0,  sqq.  • 

If  we  may  believe  the  statement  of  Artemidorus  Ephesius  apud 
Porphyr.  de  Nymph,  antr.  p.  252,  there  was  really  a  port  at  Ithaca, 
named  Phorcys,  and  a  cave  sacred  to  the  Nymphs. 

Bscause  the  nymphs  vapotTiop  kuI  irpyutv  TrpotaTujai,  being  henc« 
called  Pegteaj  and  Naides.  Porphyr.  ib.  p.  258. 

The  ship. 


122^1G3.J 


ODYSSEY.  XIII. 


179 


gether  near  the  root  of  the  olive-tree,  out  ot'  the  way,  lest 
by  chance  any  one  of  wayfaring  men  coming  should  do  them 
liarm  before  Ulysses  awoke.  And  they  themselves  went 
home  again  ;  nor  did  Neptune  forget  the  threats  with  which 
he  first  threatened  godlike  Ulysses;  but  he  asked  the  counsel 
of  Jove : 

“  O  father  Jove,  no  longer  shall  I  be  honored  among  the 
immortal  gods,  since  mortals  do  not  honor  me,  the  Pha3acD 
ans,  who  are  however  of  my  race.  For  I  just  now  said  that 
Ulysses  should  come  home,  having  suffered  many  ills ;  but 
I  by  no  means  took  away  his  return  altogether,  since  thou 
first  didst  promise  and  grant  it.  But  they,  having  taken  him 
asleep  over  the  sea  in  a  swift  ship,  have  placed  him  in  Ithaca, 
and  given  him  abundance  of  gifts,  plenty  of  brass  and  gold, 
and  a  woven  garment,  as  many  things  as  Ulysses  would  never 
have  taken  from  Troy,  if  he  had  returned  unharmed,  having 
obtained  by  lot  his  share  of  the  booty.*’ 

But  him  cloud-compelling  Jove  answering  addressed: 
“  Alas  !  powerful  Neptune,  what  hast  thou  said  ?  the  gods 
by  no  means  dishonor  thee;  difficult  would  it  be  to  aim  at 
the  oldest  and  most  excellent  with  insults.  But  if  anv  one  of 
men,  yielding  to  violence  and  strength,  does  not  honor  thee, 
thou  hast  always  the  means  of  revenge  hereafter.  Do  as  thou 
wilt,  and  as  is  dear  to  thy  mind.” 

But  him  earth-shaking  Neptune  immediately  answered : 
“  I  would  quickly  do  as  thou  advise,  O  thou  black-clouded 
one :  but  thy  wrath  I  always  hold  in  awe  and  avoid.  Now 
then  I  wish  to  destroy  the  beautiful  ship  of  the  Phceacians, 
returning  from  the  escort  [of  Ulysses]  on  the  misty  sea,  that 
now  they  may  abstain  and  cease  from  the  escort  of  men  :  and 
that  a  mighty  mountain  should  cover  their  city  around.” 

But  him  cloud-compelling  Jove  answering  addressed : 
“  My  friend,  thus  indeed  to  my  mind  it  seems  to  be  best. 
AVhen  all  the  people  from  the  city  ;ire  now  looking  to  it  driv¬ 
ing  along,  place  a  stone  near  the  land  like  unto  a  swift  ship, 
that  all  men  may  marvel;  and  that  a  great  mountain  may 
cover  their  city  around.” 

But  when  earth-shaking  Neptune  heard  this,  he  hastened 
to  Scheria,  where  the  Phosacians  are  born,  he  remained 
there  ;  and  the  sea-traversing  ship  came  very  near,  swiftly 
making  its  way:  and  the  Farth-shaker  came  near  it,  who 


180 


ODYSSEY.  XIIL 


riG4— 20a 


made  it  a  stone,  and  rooted  it  below,  striking  it  'wdtli  bis 
band  laid  fiat^"  downward ;  and  be  went  to  a  distance.  But 
tbev,  tbe  long-oared  Pbamcians,  men  illustrious  at  sea,  spoke 
winged  words  to  one  anotber.  And  thus  some  one  said,  look¬ 
ing  to  anotber  near  bim  : 

“  Alas,  wbo  bas  bound  tbe  swift  ship  in  tbe  sea  while  driv¬ 
ing  borne  ?  just  now  it  all  appeared  before  us.”  Thus  some 
tone  said ;  but  they  knew  not  how  these  things  were  done. 
‘And  Alcinous  harangued  and  addressed  them : 

“  Alas,^®  surely  now  upon  me  are  come  the  oracles  uttered 
of  old  by  my  sire,  who  said  that  Neptune  would  be  wrath  with 
US,  because  we  are  safe  conductors  of  all  men.  He  said  that 
some  time  or  other  he  would  destroy  a  very  beautiful  ship 
of  the  Bhseacian  men  when  returning  home  from  an  escort  in 
the  misty  sea,  and  that  a  great  mountain  should  cover  the 
city  around.  Thus  the  old  man  spoke,  and  all  these  things 
are  now  accomplished.  But  come,  let  us  all  obey,  as  I  com¬ 
mand.  Cease  from  the  conduct  of  men,  when  any  one  comes 
to  our  city ;  and  we  will  sacrifice  twelve  chosen  bulls  to 
Neptune,  if  he  would  pity  us,  and  a  great  mountain  may  not 
cover  our  city  around.” 

Thus  he  spoke;  and  they  feared,  and  got  ready  the  bulls. 
Thus  the  leaders  and  chiefs  of  the  }ieople  of  the  Bhieacians 
prayed  to  king  Neptune,  standing  near  the  altar.  But  divine 
Ulysses  awoke  sleeping  on  his  paternal  land  :  nor  did  he  know 
it,  having  been  a  long  time  absent ;  for  the  deity,  Pallas  IMi- 
nerva,  the  daughter  of  Jove,  shed  a  mist  around  him  ;  that 
she  might  make  him  unknown,  and  might  tell  him  every  thing, 
that  his  wife  might  not  know  him,  and  his  citizens  and  friends, 
before  he  had  taken  revenge  for  all  their  transgression  upon 
the  suitors.  Therefore  all  things  appeared  of  a  different  form 
to  the  king,  both  the  long  roads,  and  all-sheltering  ports,  and 
the  sun-traversed  rocks,  and  flourishing  trees. 

And  lie  stood,  having  risen  u})  in  haste,  and  beheld  his  pa¬ 
ternal  land;  and  then  he  mourned,  and  struck  his  thighs  with 
his  hands  laid  flat  downward  ;  and  lamenting  spoke  thus  : 

“Woe  is  me!  to  the  land  of  what  mortals  am  I  come?  are 
they  indeed  injurious  and  fierce,  nor  just  ?  or  are  they  kind  to 
strangers,  and  is  their  mind  godlike  ?  Where  now  shall  1  bear 

On  the  contracted  form  icaTa7rpi]VH  sec  Thiersch,  Gk.  Gr.  p.  384,  30. 

See  iny  note  on  i.  32. 


204—243.] 


ODYSSEY.  XIII. 


181 


these  many  possessions  ?  and  where  do  I  myself  wander  ? 
would  that  I  had  remained  there  with  the  Phaeacians ;  I  in¬ 
deed  might  have  come  to  some  other  powerful  king,  who 
would  have  entertained  me,  and  escorted  me  so  as  to  I’eturn. 
But  now  I  know  not  where  to  place  them;  I  will  not  indeed 
leave  them  here,  lest  they  become  a  booty  to  others.  Alas  I 
the  leaders  and  chiefs  of  the  Phceacians  were  not  wise  nor 
just  in  every  thing,  who  have  taken  me  away  to  another  land ; 
they  said  in  truth  that  they  would  take  me  to  western^’-^  Itha¬ 
ca, but  have  not  performed  [their  promise].  May  suppliant 
Jove  exact  vengeance  on  them,  Avho  also  regards  other  men, 
and  punishes  Avhoever  errs.  But  come,  I  Avill  now  count  the 
possessions,  and  see  whether  they  haA^e  gone,  taking  aAA^ay  any 
thing  in  the  holloAV  ship.” 

Having  thus  spoken,  he  numbered  the  beautiful  tripods  and 
caldrons,  and  the  gold,  and  the  beautiful  AvoA^en  garments ; 
of  these  he  missed  none  ;  but  he  lamented  his  paternal  land, 
creeping  along  the  shore  of  the  much-rolling  sea,  bcAvailing 
much.  l5ut  Minei’A’a  came  near  him,  like  in  person  unto  a 
young  man,  a  shepherd  of  sheep,  \'ery  delicate,  and  as  are  the 
sons  of  kings,  having  a  double  Avell-wrought  cloak  about  her 
shoulders ;  and  she  had  sandals  under  her  soft  feet,  and  a 
javelin  in  her  hand :  Ulysses  rejoiced  seeing  her,  and  came  to 
meet  her,  and  addressing  her,  spoke  Avinged  Avords  : 

“  O  friend,  since  I  meet  thee  first  in  this  country,  hail,  and 
do  not  thou  meet  me  at  all  Avith  an  evil  mind;  but  preserve 
these  things,  and  preserve  me ;  for  I  entreat  thee,  as  a  god,^ 
and  come  to  thy  dear  knees.  And  tell  me  these  things  truly, 
that  I  may  be  AA^ell  informed,  Avhat  land  is  this?  Avhat  peo- 
])le  ?  Avhat  men  are  born  here  ?  is  it  some  western  island  ?  or 
does  some  shore  of  the  very  fruitful  continent  lie  inclined  to- 
Avard  tlie  sea  ?” 

]5ut  him  the  blue-eyed  goddess  jMinerva  addressed  in  turn  : 
“Thou  art  foolish,  O  stranger,  or  thou  liast  come  from  a  dis¬ 
tance,  if  indeed  thou  inquirest  of  this  land :  it  is  not  by  any 
means  so  nameless  ;  but  very  many  knoAA'-  it,  both  as  many  as 
dwell  toAvard  the  East  and  the  Sun,  and  as  many  as  [dAvell] 
behind  toward  the  misty  darkness.  It  is  rough  indeed,  not 
fit  for  driving  horses,  yet  not  A’ery  barren,  but  it  is  not  spa- 

Or  “snnnv.”  Cf.  Bnttm.  Lexil.  p.  224,  etc. 

*“  See  Stanl.  on  yEscIi.  Siq>j)l.  1  Ilcmstccli.  on  Lucian,  Tim.  sub  init 


182 


ODYSSEY.  XIII. 


[244—283. 


cious.  For  in  it  there  is  abundance  of  wheat,  and  there  is 
wine  ;  and  still  the  shower  and  flourishing  dew  possess  it.  It 
is  excellent  for  feeding  goats  and  oxen  ;  there  is  every  kind 
of  wood,  and  there  are  perpetual  irrigations  in  it.  Therefore 
indeed,  O  stranger,  the  name  of  Ithaca  would  reach  even  to 
Troy,  which  they  say  is  far  from  the  Grecian  land.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  was 
glad,  rejoicing  in  his  own  paternal  land,  as  Fallas  Minerva, 
the  daughter  of  ^2«;is-bearing  Jove,  told  him.  And  address- 
ing  her,  he  spoke  winged  Avords,  nor  did  he  say  what  was 
true,  but  he  took  up  discourse  the  contrary  way,  even  revolv¬ 
ing  crafty  design  in  his  breast. 

“  I  heard  of  Ithaca  even  in  spacious  Crete,  far  over  the  sea  ; 
but  now  I  am  myself  come  witli  these  chattels:  but  I  am  fly¬ 
ing  away,  having  left  as  many  things  for  my  children,  since  I 
have  slain  the  dear  son  of  Idomeneus,  swift-footed  Orsilochus, 
who  in  spacious  Crete  excelled  enterprising  men  with  his 
swift  feet :  because  he  wished  to  deprive  me  of  all  my  Trojan 
booty,  on  account  of  which  I  suffered  griefs  in  my  mind,  both 
wars  of  men,  and  passing  over  the  terrible  waves,  because  I 
did  not  serve  his  father  among  the  people  of  the  Trojans, 
gratifying  him,  but  I  ruled  over  other  companions.  Him  in¬ 
deed  I  struck  with  a  brazen  spear,  as  he  was  coming  home  from 
the  country,  lying  in  wait  for  him  near  the  road  with  a  com¬ 
panion.  But  very  dark  night  possessed  heaven,  nor  did  any 
one  of  men  perceive  us ;  but  I  escaped  his  notice,  taking 
away  his  mind.^^  But  when  I  had  slain  him  Avith  the  sharp 
brass,  I  immediately  going  in  a  ship  to  the  illustrious  ITica- 
cians,  besought  them,  and  gave  them  booty  gratifying  their 
mind.  Them  I  requested  to  carry  me,  and  place  me  at  Fylos, 
or  to  divine  Elis,  where  the  Epeans  rule.  But  in  truth  the 
force  of  the  wind  thrust  them  from  thence,  much  against  their 
will ;  nor  did  they  wish  to  deceive  [me].  But  Avandering  from 
thence  AA^e  came  here  by  night ;  and  Avith  exertion  A\'e  roAved 
into  the  port,  nor  to  us  Avas  there  any  mention  of  supper,  al¬ 
though  much  Avanting  to  obtain  it :  but  all  of  us  going  out  of 
the  ship  at  random^^  lay  down.  Here  sweet  sleep  came  upon 
me  AA'oaried.  But  they,  taking  my  chattels  out  of  the  holloAV 
ship,  laid  them  doAvn,  even  Avhere  I  myself  Avas  lying  on  the 


i.  e.  his  life. 


IleSycIl.  UVTUJQ,  fiClTllV 


284—322.] 


ODYSSEY,  XIII. 


183 


sands:  and  they  einbiirking  went  to  well-inhabited  Sidonia ; 
but  I  was  left,  sorrowing  at  heart.” 

Thus  he  spoke  :  but  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  smiled, 
and  stroked  him  down  with  the  hand ;  but  she  became  in  her 
person  like  a  woman,  both  fair,  and  large,  and  skilled  in  splen¬ 
did  works  ;  and  addressing  him  she  spoke  winged  words  : 

“  Cunning  would  he  be  and  deceitful,  whoever  should  sur¬ 
pass  thee  in  all  kinds  of  craft,  even  if  a  god  should  meet  thee, 
O  thou  hard  one,  various  in  plans,  insatiable  in  deceit,  thou 
wert  not  about,  even  when  in  thine  own  land,  to  cease  from 
thy  deceits,  and  crafty  Avords,  which  are  dear  to  thee  from  thy 
birth. 23  But  come,  let  us  no  longer  speak  of  these  things, 
since  we  are  both  skilled  in  cunning  ;  for  thou  art  the  best  of 
all  mortals  in  counsel  and  words  ;  but  I  am  celebrated  among 
all  the  gods  for  my  judgment  and  cunning  ;  didst  thou  not 
know  Pallas  Minerva,  the  daughter  of  Jove,  [me]  who  alw'ays 
stand  by  thee  in  all  labors,  and  guard  thee,  and  have  made 
thee  dear  unto  all  the  Phceacians  ?  But  noAv  I  am  come  here 
that  I  may  weave  some  counsel  Avith  thee,  and  may  hide  the 
possessions,  Avhatsoever  the  illustrious  Pha?acians  have  given 
thee,  returning  home  by  my  counsel  and  mind.  And  that  I 
may.  tell  thee  Avhat  soitoavs  it  is  fated  for  thee  to  endure  in 
thy  built  house ;  but  do  thou  endure  them  even  by  necessity, 
nor  tell  any  one,  either  of  all  men  or  women,  that  thou  hast 
come  Avandering  ;  but  in  silence  suffer  many  griefs,  sustaining 
the  violence  of  men.” 

But  her  much-planning  Ulysses  in  ansAver  addressed:  “It 
is  difficult,  O  goddess,  for  a  man  who  meets  thee  to  knoAv  thee, 
although  he  be  very  skillful ;  for  thou  makest  thyself  like  unto 
every  one.  But  I  know  this  Avell,  that  thou  Avert  before  kind 
to  me,  Avhile  we  sons  of  the  Grecians  fought  in  Troy.  But 
Avhen  Ave  had  destroyed  the  lofty  city  of  Priam,  and  embark¬ 
ed  in  our  ships,  and  the  deity  dispersed  the  Grecians,  I  did  not 
aftei’Avard  behold  thee,  nor  did  1  perceive  thee  embarking  on 
my  ship,  that  thou  mightest  aA'ert  any  grief  from  me.  [But 
I  Avas  continually  Avandering,  having  my  heart  overcome  in 
iny  mind,  until  the  gods  freed  me  from  mischiefs  ;  before  thou 
didst  encourage  me  Avitli  thy  Avords  in  the  rich  people  of  the 

Literally,  “from  the  plain,”  a  metaphor  deriA'ed  from  jdants.  See 
the  Schol.  and  Eustath.  Ilesychius  interprets  it,  apxi'iOtv,  tK  p<s»;c, 

IK  Tiatewv. 


184 


ODYSSEY.  XIII. 


1 323—30?. 


Phceacians,  and  thyself  didst  conduct  me  to  the  city.]  But 
now,  by  thy  father,  I  entreat  thee,  for  I  do  not  think  that  I 
am  come  to  western  Ithaca,  but  am  now  in  some  other  land : 
but  I  think  that  thou  sayest  these  things,  mocking  me,  that 
thou  mayest  deceive  my  mind.  Tell  me  if  in  truth  I  am  come 
to  my  dear  country.” 

But  him  the  blue-eyed  goddess  IMinerva  immediately  an¬ 
swered  Thou  hast  ever  such  a  thought  in  thy  breast: 
therefore  I  can  not  leave  thee,  who  art  unhappy,  because  thou 
art  a  man  of  words,  and  shrewd,  and  prudent.  For  any  other 
man  gladly  returning  from  wandering  would  desire  to  see  his 
children  and  wife  in  his  palace  ;  but  it  is  not  yet  agreeable  for 
thee  to  know  or  inquire,  before  thou  shalt  make  some  trial  of 
fhy  wife,  who  in  vain  sits  in  thy  palace,  but  unto  her  mourn¬ 
ing  the  nights  and  days  always  waste  away.  But  I  never 
mistrusted  this,  but  knew  in  my  mind  that  thou  wouldst  re¬ 
turn,  having  lost  all  thy  companions.  But  I  did  not  wish  to 
contend  with  my  uncle  Neptune,  who  had  set  W'rath  against 
thee  in  his  mind,  enraged,  because  thou  didst  blind  his  dear 
son.  But  come,  I  will  show  thee  the  seat  of  Ithaca,  that  thou 
mayest  believe.  This  is  the  port  of  Phorcys,  the  old  man  of 
the  sea :  and  this  is  the  large-leafed  olive  at  the  head  of  the 
port,  [and  near  it  there  is  a  delightful  shadowy  cave,  sacred 
to  the  Nymphs  who  are  called  Naiads].  But  this  is  the  wide- 
covered  cave,  where  thou  didst  sacrifice  many  perfect  heca¬ 
tombs  to  the  Nymphs  :  and  this  is  Neritos,  a  mountain  clothed 
with  wood.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  the  goddess  dispersed  the  mist ;  and 
the  earth  appeared  :  and  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  was 
then  glad,  rejoicing  in  his  own  land  :  and  he  kissed  the  boun¬ 
teous  plain.  And  immediately  uplifting  his  hands,  he  prayed 
to  the  Nymphs. 

O  Naiad  Nymphs,  ye  daughters  of  Jove,  I  never  thought 
that  I  should  behold  you  ;  but  now  I  salute  you  with  mild 
prayers :  but  we  Avfll  also  give  gifts,  even  as  before,  if  the 
daughter  of  Jove,  the  huntress,  will  willingly  permit  both  my¬ 
self  to  live,  and  will  make  my  dear  son  increase.” 

But  him  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  addressed  in  turn  : 
“  Be  confident,  let  not  these  things  be  a  care  to  thee  in  thy 
mind.  But  come,  let  us  now  straightway  put  the  chattels  in 
the  recess  of  the  divine  cave,  that  even  these  may  remain 


3G4— 402.] 


ODYSSEY.  XIII. 


185 


here  safe :  and  let  us  then  consult,  in  what  way  things  may 
best  be  done.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  the  goddess  descended  the  dark  cave, 
seeking  hiding-places  through  the  cave  ;  but  Ulysses  carried 
all  the  things  near,  the  gold,  and  the  brass  not  worn  down, 
and  the  well-made  garments,  which  the  Phseacians  had  given 
him.  And  he  set  them  well  in  order;  and  Pallas  Minerva, 
daughter  of  A^igis-bearing  Jove,  placed  a  stone  against  the 
door.  And  they  sitting  down  near  the  roots  of  the  sacred  ol¬ 
ive,  plotted  destruction  against  the  overbearing  suitors.  And 
the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  began  a  discourse  to  him  : 

“O  Jove-born  son  of  Laertes,  much-planning  Ul3^sses,  con¬ 
sider  how  thou  mayest  lay  thy  hands  upon  the  shameless  suit- 
oi’S,  who  now  for  three  years  are  lording  it  over  thy  palace, 
wooing  thy  godlike  wife,  and  giving  her  bridal  gifts.  But 
she,  ever  lamenting  in  her  mind  for  thy  return,  gives  hopes 
to  all,  and  makes  promises  to  each  man,  sending  forth  messa¬ 
ges  to  them  ;  but  her  mind  meditates  other  things.” 

But  her  much-planning  Ulysses  answering  addressed:  “O 
gods,  surely  I  was  now  about  to  perish  in  my  palace,  after 
the  evil  fate  of  Agamemnon,  son  of  Atreus,  hadst  not  thou, 
O  goddess,  told  me  every  thing  rightly.  But  come,  weave  a 
counsel,  how  I  may  be  revenged  on  them :  and  do  thou  thy¬ 
self  stand  near  me,  putting  confident  courage  within  me,  such 
as  when  we  destroyed  the  noble  head-gear-^  of  Jh-o}'.  If  thou 
wouldst  stand  near  me  ihns  eager,  O  blue-eyed  one,  I  would 
fight  even  Avith  three  hundred  men,  together  Avith  thee,  O 
venerable  goddess,  Avhen  thou  Avouldst  readily  assist  me.” 

Ihit  him  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  then  ansAA^ered :  “  I 
indeed  Avill  be  present  Avith  thee,  nor  shalt  thou  escape  my 
notice,  Avhen  indeed  Ave  shall  have  prepared  these  things,  and 
I  think  that  some  one  of  the  suitors,  Avho  are  consuming  thy 
property,  will  pollute  the  vast  pavement  Avith  his  blood  and 
brains.  But  come,  I  Avill  make  thee  unknoAvn  to  all  mortals ; 
1  will  Avither  tliy  beautiful  skin  on  thy  bent  limbs,  and  Avill 
destroy  the  auburn  hairs  from  thine  head,  and  Avill  put  a  cloak 
around  thee,  Avhich  a  man  Avould  loathe  seeing  one  Avear  it. 
And  I  Avill  blear  thine  eyes,  Avhicli  before  AA’ere  beautiful,  that 
thou  mayest  appear  unseemly  to  all  the  suitors,  and  to  thy 

Properly,  “a  head-dress,”  but  here  used  metaphorically  for  tur¬ 
rets. 


18G 


ODYSSEY.  XIII. 


[403—440. 


wife  and  son,  wliom  thou  didst  leave  in  thy  palace.  But  do 
thou  first  go  to  the  swine-herd,  who  is  the  guardian  of  thy 
swdne ;  but  however  he  is  kindly  disposed  toward  thee,  and 
loves  thy  son,  and  prudent  Penelope.  Thou  wilt  find  him  sit¬ 
ting  w’itli  the  swine :  and  they  are  pastured  near  the  rock  of 
Corax,  and  at  the  fountain  Arethusa,  eating  strength-giving 
acorns,  and  drinking  muddy  water,  wdiich  things  nourish  the 
flourishing  fat  in  swine.  Pemain  there,  and  sitting  near  him, 
inquire  all  things  of  him,  while  1  go  to  Sparta  of  fair  w^omen, 
to  call  Telemachns,  thy  dear  son,  O  Ulysses,  wdio  is  gone  to 
Lacedaemon  with  wide  grounds,  to  IMenelaus,  to  inquire  for  tid¬ 
ings  of  thee,  if  thou  still  art  any  where  in  existence.” 

But  her  much-planning  Ulysses  answering  addressed : 
“Why  didst  thou  not  tell  him,  since  thou  know'est  all  things 
in  thy  mind?  was  it  that  he  w^andering  over  the  barren  sea 
might  suffer  griefs?  but  others  consume  his  livelihood.” 

But  him  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  then  answered: 
“Let  not  him  indeed  be  too  much  in  thy  thoughts;  I  myself 
conducted  him,  that  going  there  he  might  obtain  excellent  re¬ 
nown :  but  he  has  not  any  labor;  but  he  sits  quiet  in  the 
house  of  the  son  of  Atreus,  and  abundance  lies  near  him. 
Young  men  indeed  lie  in  ambush  for  him  with  a  black  ship, 
desiring  to  kill  him,  before  he  reaches  his  paternal  land.  But 
I  do  not  think  these  things  [will  happen],  before  the  earth  de¬ 
tains  some  one  [of  the  suitors,  who-  are  consuming  thy  prop¬ 
erty].” 

Thus  having  spoken,  INIinerva  touched  him  with  a  rod  ;  and 
withered  his  beautiful  skin  on  his  bent  limbs,  and  destroyed 
the  auburn  hairs  from  his  head,  and  put  around  all  his  limbs 
the  skin  of  an  aged  old  man.  And  she  bleared  his  eyes,  which 
before  were  beautiful.  And  she  put  around  liim  another  evil, 
a  ragged  garment,  and  a  cloak,  torn,  sordid,  begrimed  with 
foul  smoke.  And  she  put  around  him  a  large  bare  skin  of  a 
swift  stag  ;  and  she  gave  him  a  staff  and  an  unseemly  satchel, 
ragged  in  many  places ;  and  there  was  a  twisted  thong  in  it 
to  hold  it  up. 

Wlien  tliey  twain  had  thus  consulted,  they  separated ;  she 
indeed  then  w'ent  to  divine  Lacedaemon  for  the  son  of  Ulysses. 


1—280 


ODYSSEY.  XIV. 


187 


BOOK  XIV. 

ARGUMENT. 

Ulysses,  under  the  guise  of  a  beggar,  arrives  at  the  house  of  Eumceus, 
a  swine-herd,  the  most  faithful  of  his  servants,  who  receives  him  hos« 
pitably.  He  gives  a  feigned  account  of  himself,  stating,  however,  that 
Ulysses  will  shortly  return,  pretending  to  have  heard  so  from  the  king 
of  the  Thesprotiaus.  lie  then  passes  the  night  in  the  swine-herd’a 
dwelling. 

But  he  went  from  the  haven  by  the  rugged  path  up  the 
woody  country,  through  the  wolds,  where  Minerva  had  in¬ 
formed  him  the  divine  swine-herd  [would  be],  who  chiehy, 
among  the  servants  whom  divine  Ulysses  possessed,  had  a 
care  for  his  livelihood.  But  him  he  found  sitting  in  the  por¬ 
tico,  where  his  lofty  abode  was  built,  in  ;i  conspicuous  situa¬ 
tion,  both  beautiful  and  large,  that  could  be  run  round,’  which 
the  swine-herd  himself  had  built  for  his  swine,  when  the  king: 
was  absent,  without  the  knowledge  of  his  mistress  and  of  old 
Laertes,  with  stones  drawn  thither, ^  and  he  topped  it  with 
sloe;  and  outside  he  drove  stakes  all  round  here  and  there, 
close  and  frequent,  having  cleft  the  dark  part.^  And  within 
the  abode  he  made  twelve  styes,  near  one  another,  beds  for 
the  swine  ;  and  in  each  were  kept’  fifty  ground-wallowing 
swine,  females  for  breeding  but  the  males  slept  without, 
much  fewer ;  for  them  the  godlike®  suitors  diminished,  eating* 
them  :  for  the  swine-herd  always  sent  the  best  of  all  the  well- 
fatted  swine;  but  they  were  three  hundred  and  sixty  [in  num¬ 
ber].  And  near  them  four  dogs  always  slept,  like  unto  wild 
beasts,  which  the  swine-herd,  chieftain  of  men,'’  had  nourished. 
But  he  himself  about  his  own  feet  was  fitting  shoes,  cutting  a 
bull’s  skin,  of  a  beautiful  color  ;  but  the  others  had  now  gone 
each  a  different  way,  three  with  the  pasturing  swine ;  but  the 
fourth  he  had  sent  to  the  city  to  take  a  sow  to  the  overbear¬ 
ing  suitors  through  necessity ;  that  sacrificing  they  might  sa¬ 
tiate  their  mind  with  flesh. 

^  i.  e.  detached.  ^  Literally,  “drawn.”  Cf.  vi.  2G7. 

^  TTfptfTytWc,  Trepitcoxl^ag,  Ilesvch.  s.  v. 

*  Cf.  Thiersch,  Gk.  Gr.  ]>.  508,  58. 

*  “brood  females,”  like  “brood  mares,”  would  bo  a  more  literal  ren¬ 
dering  of  TOKodeg. 

®  So  Homer  styles  Paris  OiofiSrjg.  Enstath. 

’  Merely  a  com])limentary  phrase,  as  Clarke  rightly  observes. 


188 


ODYSSEY.  XIV. 


[20—00. 


But  on  a  sudden  the  dogs,  practiced  in  barking,®  beheld 
Ulysses,  they  indeed  ran  on  clamoring ;  but  Ulysses  sat  down 
with  cunning,  and  his  stafr  fell  from  his  hand :  there  indeed 
he  would  have  suffered  unseemly  grief  at  his  own  stall,  but 
the  swine-herd  following  quickly  wdth  his  swift  feet,  ran 
through  the  vestibule  ;  and  the  skin  fell  from  his  hand.  Then 
chiding  the  dogs,  he  drove  them  different  ways  with  frequent 
stones  :  and  he  addressed  the  king : 

“  O  old  man,  but  for  a  little  the  dogs  would  have  destroyed 
thee  on  a  sudden  ;  and  thou  w^ouldst  have  poured  out  abuse 
against  me.  And  to  me  the  gods  have  given  other  griefs  and 
sorrows;  for  mourning  and  grieving  for  a  godlike  king  I  sit, 
and  I  nourish  fat  swine  for  others  to  cat ;  but  he,  perhaps  de¬ 
sirous  of  food,  wanders  among  the  people  and  the  city  of  for¬ 
eign  men,  if  he  is  still  alive,  and  beholds  the  light  of  the  sun. 
I)Ut  follow,  and  let  us  go  to  the  resting-place,  O  old  man, 
that  thou  thyself,  being  satisfied  as  to  thy  mind  with  food  and 
wine,  mayest  relate  from  whence  thou  art,  and  how  many 
griefs  thou  hast  undergone.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  the  divine  swine-herd  led  the  way  to 
ihc  resting-place.  And  having  brought  him  in,  he  made  him 
sit  down,  and  he  put  thick  rushes®  under  him,  and  he  strewed 
over  it  the  skin  of  a  wild  shaggy’®  there  as  a  couch, 
great  and  thick.  And  Ulysses  rejoiced  because  he  had  thus 
received  him  ;  and  he  spoke,  and  addressed  [him]  : 

“May  Jove,  O  stranger,  and  the  other  immortal  gods,  give 
thee  whatever  thou  dost  most  wish,  because  thou  hast  kindly 
received  me.” 

But  him  the  swine-herd  Eummus  answering  addressed  :  “  O 
sti'angcr,  it  is  not  right  for  me,  even  if  a  more  wretched  one 
than  thou  shouldst  come,  to  dishonor  a  stranger  ;  for  all  stran¬ 
gers  and  beggars  are  from  Jove  ;  but  our  gift  is  both  small  and 
friendly  ;  for  this  is  the  custom  of  servants,  who  arc  always  in 

®  So  ITesycli.  Apollon.  Etym.  ]M.  ot  Trfpl  to  vXaKvelv  pspoprifitvoi' 

OTTip  IdTlV  IcTOV  Tip  TTtTTOVpp'iVOt. 

^  See  'riiiersch,  Gk.  Gr.  p.  374,  29. 

Tills  seems  preferable  to  Apioii’s  interpretation,  r/yg  tuvcrrjg  0ou)£. 
Apollon.  Lex.  s.  v.  (piotes  from  the  Chrysa  of  Sophocles,  tyuj  p'lav  piv 
rptya.  Cf.  Alberti  on  llesych.  t.  ii.  p.  53.  Etym.  Ma^m.  F. 
102,  A.  lovOog,  i)  TrpiOTp  tKipvaiQ  tCjv  TpixCov.  Schol.  Ttieocr.  xii.  24. 
(pvGKai-ai  Xtyopevai  lovOoi,  i)  uv9oi,  tjjg  kcitu  to  avdog  Tpg  yXiKiag  ytp6pt~ 
voi  lig  \l/vdpaj:ta  IkuXovv. 


61— 97.J 


ODYSSEY. 


XIV. 


180 


fear,  when  young  masters  rule  over  them :  for  certainly  the 
gods  have  hindered  the  return  of  hirn'^  at  least,  who  indeed 
loved  me  earnestly,  and  would  have  given  me  possessions, 
such  as  a  kind  master  is  used  to  give  to  his  servant,  a  house, 
and  allotment,  and  a  much-wooed  Avife,  who  has  served  him 
much,  and  God  increases’''^  his  toil;  as  also  for  me  this  labor 
is  increased,  in  which  1  abide.  Thus  my  master  Avould  have 
protited  me  much,  if  he  had  grown  old  here;  but  he  has  per¬ 
ished;  so  I  Avish  that  the  race  of  Helen  had  perished  entirely, 
since  she  loosed  the  knees  of  many  men  :  for  he  too  Avent  on 
account  of  the  honor  of  Agamemnon  to  steed-surpassing  Ili¬ 
um,  that  he  might  tight  Avitli  the  Trojans.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  quickly  fastened  his  cloak  with  a 
girdle;  and  he  hastened  to  the  styes,  Avhere  the  litters  of  pigs 
Avere  kept:  from  thence  having  taken  two,  he  brought  them, 
and  sacrificed  botli  ;  and  he  scalded  them,  and  cut  them  up, 
and  stuck  them  on  spits.  And  having  cooked  all,  then  car¬ 
rying  it,  he  set  it  near  Ulysses,  Avarm  on  the  very  spits;  and 
he  sprinkled  Avhite  meal  [over  the  licsh],  and  in  an  ivy  cup  he 
mixed  sweet  Avine ;  and  he  himself  sat  opposite  him,  and  en¬ 
couraging  addressed  him  : 

“  Eat  noAAq  O  stranger,  the  pigs”^  Avhieh  are  at  hand  for 
the  serv^ants ;  but  the  suitors  are  eating  the  fatted  swine,  not 
thinking  in  their  minds  of  observation  or  pity.  The  blessed 
gods  indeed  love  not  inquous  Avorks,  but  honor  justice,  and 
the  righteous  Avorks  of  men  ;  and  even  enemies  and  hostile 
men,  Avho  make  incursions  on  a  foreign  land,  and  unto  Avhoni 
Jove  has  given  booty,  and  [avIio],  having  filled  their  ships, 
haA'c  each  gone  home,  upon  these  also  strong  fear  of  observa¬ 
tion  falls  in  their  minds.  15ut  they’^  even  someAvhat  know, 
and  have  heard  some  A'oice  of  a  god,  [about]  his  miserable 
death,  since  they  are  not  Avilling  to  woo  justly,  nor  to  return 
to  their  own  [liouse]  ;  but  securely  they  violently  destroy  his 
goods,  nor  is  there  any  sparing.  For  as  many  nights  and  days 
as  are  from  Joa’C,  they  never  sacrifice  even  one  victim  or  tw'o 
only  ;  and  they  Avaste  his  Avinc,  violently  drawing  it  off.  For 

”  i.  c.  his  own  proper  master,  irniilicd  in  uvciktiq  oi  v'toi. 

i.  e.  })rospers. 

Xoipta  seems  to  mean  porkers,  not  yet  fully  fatted,  in  opposition  to 
cictXovQ.  See  Eustatli.  on  a's.  81. 

**  The  suitors. 


190 


ODYSSEY.  XIY. 


[97—134. 


truly  Ills  livelihood  was  immense,  no  one  of  heroes,  either  of 
black  Epirus,  or  Ithaca  itself,  possesses  so  much  ;  nor  do 
twenty  men  together  possess  so  much  wealth  ;  but  I  will  reck¬ 
on  it  for  thee.  He  has  twelve  herds  on  the  continent;  as 
many  flocks  of  sheep,  as  many  herds  of  swine,  and  strangers 
and  herdsmen  there  feed  as  many  large  flocks  of  goats.  And 
there  they  feed  large  flocks  of  goats,  eleven  in  all,  on  the  ex¬ 
treme  part  of  the  land  ;  and  excellent  men  superintend  them. 
Each  of  them  daily  brings  home  a  goat,  whichever  appears  to 
be  the  best  of  tlie  fatted  goats.  But  1  guard  and  keep  these 
swine,  and  having  chosen  out  the  best  of  the  swine,  I  send  it 
away  to  them.” 

Tims  he  spoke ;  but  he  briskly  ate  the  meat,  and  greedily 
drank  the  wine,  in  silence ;  and  he  planted  (in  mind)  evils  for 
the  suitors.  But  wlien  he  had  supped,  and  strengthened  his 
mind  witli  food,  having  filled  the  cup  from  which  he  himself 
drank,  he'^  gave  it  to  him,  full  of  wine;  but  he  received  it,  and 
rejoiced  in  mind,  and  addressing  him  spoke  winged  words: 

“  O  friend,  who  thus  opulent  and  powerful,  as  thou  sayest, 
purchased  thee  with  his  possessions  ?  thou  sayest  that  he 
jjerished  for  the  sake  of  the  honor  of  Agamemnon.  Tell 
me,  in  case  by  chance  1  know  him,  who  is  such  an  one.  For 
Jove  perhaps  knows  this,  and  the  other  immortal  gods,  if 
having  seen  him  I  could  give  news  of  him;  for  over  many 
[lands]  have  I  wandered.” 

But  him  the  swine-herd,  chieftain  of  men,  immediately  an¬ 
swered  :  “  O  old  man,  no  man  having  come  after  wandering, 
bringing  news  of  him,  would  persuade  his  wife  and  beloved 
son.  But  wandering  fellows,  in  want  of  support,  speak  false¬ 
hoods^®  to  no  purpose,  nor  do  they  wish  to  relate  the  truth. 
But  whoever,  liaving  wandered,  arrives  at  the  people  of  Itha¬ 
ca,  he,  coming  to  my  mistress,  speaks  deceitful  things.  But 
she,  having  received  him  well,  entertains  him,  and  investigates 
every  thing,  and  tlie  tears  fall  from  the  eyes  of  her  weeping, 
as  is  the  wont  of  woman,  when  her  husband  perishes  else¬ 
where.  Perhaps  thou,  even  thyself,  O  old  man,  would  fabri¬ 
cate  some  story,  [if  any  one  would  give  thee  a  cloak  and  tunic 
as  garments].  But  the  dogs  and  swift  birds  already  have 

'*  Enmaius. 

So  Casganclra  says  of  herself  in  Alsch.  Ag.  1195.  7/  xl/evSojuavrls 
tlfii  OvpoKoTTog  (pXiduJv ; 


135—171.] 


ODYSSEY.  XIV. 


191 


torn  the  skin  from  his  bones ;  and  life  has  left  liim  ;  or  him 
the  fishes  have  eaten  in  the  sea,  and  his  bones  lie  upon  the 
shore,  wrapped  up  in  much  sand.  Thus  he  perished  from 
hence  ;  but  for  all  his  friends  hereafter  sorroAvs  are  prepared, 
and  especially  for  me  ;  for  I  shall  no  longer  find  another  mas¬ 
ter  so  mild,  wherever  I  go,  not  if  I  should  again  come  to  the 
house  of  my  father  and  mother  where  I  was  first  born,  and 
they  nurtured  me.  Nor  do  I  much  lament  for  them,  although 
desiring  to  behold  them  again  with  mine  eyes,  being  in  my 
paternal  land;  but  regret  for  absent  Ulysses  possesses  me.  I 
have  awe  in  naming  him,'"  O  stranger,  although  not  present; 
for  he  loved  mo  exceedingly,  and  took  care  of  me  in  his  mind, 
but  I  call  him  ‘honored‘s  senior,’  although  at  a  distance.” 

But  him  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  addressed  in  turn : 
‘‘O  friend,  since  thou  dost  altogether  deny  it,  nor  thinkest 
at  all  that  he  will  return,  but  thy  mind  is  ever  incredulous, 
yet  I  will  not  merely  say,  but  [will  say  it]  Avith  an  oath,  that 
Ulys.ses  returns:  but  let  this  be  the  rcAvard  of  my  good  iieAvs  ; 
immediately,  Avhen  he  shall  return  to  his  house,  [put  on  mo 
a  cloak  and  tunic,  beautiful  garments ;]  but  before  that,  I 
Av'ould  not  receive  them,  although  very  much  in  Avant.  For 
he  is  hated  by  me,  ecpially  Avith  the  gates  of  hell,  Avho,  yielding 
to  poverty,  speaks  deceiving  AAmrds.  Noav  be  Avitness,  Jove, 
first  of  the  gods,  and  the  hospitable  table,  and  the  hearth  of 
blameless  Ulys.ses,  to  Avhich  I  am  come ;  surely  all  these  things 
shall  be  performed,  as  I  relate  them :  but  Ulysses  Avill  return 
hero  in  this  same  year;  Avhen  this  month  Avanes,  and  another 
begins,  he  Avill  return  home,  and  Avill  bo  revenged  upon  him, 
Avhosocver  here  dishonors  his  Avife  and  his  noble  son.” 

But  him  anSAA^ering  thou  didst  address,  O  SAvine-herd  Eiu 
ma3us  :  “  O  old  man,  1  shall  neither  pay  this  rcAvard  for  good 
noAA's,  nor  Avill  Ulysses  any  more  return  home;  but  drink  in 
peace,  and  let  us  be  mindful  of  other  things  besides,  nor  put 
me  in  mind  of  these  things :  for  surely  my  mind  in  my  breast 
is  gideved,  Avhenever  any  one  makes  mention  of  the  good  king. 

17  “  Pi-opter  magnam  bencficionim,  quas  in  me  contulit,  copiam  ct 
bonifxnitatein,  qua  me  amplexus  cst,  vel  absentem  solo  Ulyssio  nomino 
appellare  revereor,  sed  vel  tunc  earn  voco  fratrem  majorem,  ut  qua  rcA'c, 
rentia  in  cum  .sim  atiectus,  significem.”  Loewe. 

“To  et  TrporrcpojvTjnig  lari  veiorkpov  irpoq  fieiZova,  Scliol.  Ambros 
So  Ilcsycli.  pOtioi: — atTTTiKt)  irpoaayupivaii,'  Trpog  TTpeerfSOrtpov. 


192 


ODYSSEY.  XIV. 


[172—213. 


However  we  will  leave  alone  tlie  oath  ;  but  may  Ulysses 
come,  as  I  wish  he  should,  and  Penelope,  and  aged  Laertes, 
and  godlike  Telernachus.  Now  again  I  lament  unceasingly 
for  the  son,  Avhom  Ulysses  begot,  d  elemachus  :  since  the  gods 
had  nourished  him,  like  unto  a  plant ;  and  I  said  that  he 
Avould  not  be  at  all  inferior  among  men  to  his  dear  father,  ad¬ 
mirable  as  to  his  frame  and  form ;  but  some  one  of  the  im¬ 
mortals  has  injured  his  mind  which  was  ccpial  witliin,  or  some 
of  men  ;  but  he  has  gone  in  quest  of  news  of  his  father,  to  di¬ 
vine  Pylos :  but  for  him  the  illustrious  suitors  lie  in  ambush 
as  he  is  returning  home,  that  the  clan  of  godlike  Arccsias 
may  perish  entirely  from  Ithaca  without  a  name.  Put  how¬ 
ever  we  Avill  leave  him,  whether  he  is  wandering  or  flying 
away,  and  may  the  son  of  Saturn  hold  his  hand  over  him.  Put 
come,  do  thou,  O  old  man,  relate  to  me  thine  own  sorrows, 
and  tell  me  this  truly,  that  I  may  know  it  well,  who  [irt  thou  ? 
from  whence  art  thou  of  men  ?  where  arc  thy  city  and  parents  ? 
in  Avhat  kind  of  ship  didst  thou  come?  how  did  the  sailors 
conduct  thee  to  Ithaca?  whom  did  they  boast  themselves  to 
be  ?  for  I  do  not  think  at  all  that  thou  earnest  here  on  foot.*’ 
But  him  much-planning  Ulysses  answering  addressed : 
“  Then  I  will  tell  thee  these  things  very  truly.  If  now  avc 
had  for  a  long  time  both  food  and  sweet  wine,  when  Ave  arc 
Avithin  your  lodge,  to  feast  at  case,  but  should  others  attend 
to  their  business :  I  should  not  easily  then  finish,  even  for  a 
Avhole  year,  telling  of  the  soitoavs  of  my  mind,  all  the  things 
Avhatcvcr  I  have  toiled  through  by  the  will  of  the  gods.  I 
boast  myself  to  be  of  the  race  of  spacious  Crete,  the  son  of  an 
opulent  man :  but  many  other  sons  also  Averc  both  nourished 
and  born  in  his  palace,  legitimate  from  his  Avife  ;  but  me  a 
purchased  mother  brought  forth,  a  concubine,  but  Castor 
Ilyl  acidcs,  of  Avhosc  race  I  boast  myself  to  be,  honored  me 
equally  Avith  his  legitimate  sons ;  Avho  formerly  AA'as  honored, 
as  a  god,  by  the  people  among  the  Cretans,  on  account  of 
his  prosperity,  and  riches,  and  his  glorious  sons.  Put  how¬ 
ever  the  fates  of  death  came  bringing  him  to  the  abodes  of 
Pliito  ;  and  his  high-minded  sons  di A  ided  his  livelihood,  and 
cast  lots  [for  the  shares] :  but  to  me  they  gave  very  fcAV 
things,  and  allotted  me  a  dAA'clling.  Put  on  account  of  my 
excellence  I  married  a  Avife  fit  for  Avcalthy  men :  since  I 
neither  was  vain,  nor  coAvardly  in  war;  but  noAV  all  things 


213-252.] 


ODYISSEY.  XIV. 


193 


have  failed  ;  however  I  think  that  thou  wilt  know  [the  car] 
when  thou  beholdest  the  straw  for  much  woe  possesses  me. 
Mars  indeed  and  IMinerva  bestowed  courage  on  me,  and  pow¬ 
er  to  break  through  ranks,  whenever  for  an  ambush  I  chose 
excellent  men,  sowing  evils  for  mine  enemies  :  nor  did  my  no¬ 
ble  mind  ever  set  death  before  mine  eyes ;  but  having  leaped 
on  far  the  foremost  with  my  spear,  I  slew  whoever  of  hostile 
men  gave  way  to  me  with  their  feet.  Such  an  one  I  w'as  in 
war ;  but  work^®  was  not  agreeable  to  me,  nor  housekeeping, 
which  nurtures  noble  children  :  but  oar-equipped  ships  were 
always  loved  by  me,  and  wars,  and  w^ell-polished  javelins,  and 
arrows,  mournful  things,  which  are  objects  of  shuddering  to 
others.  But  to  me  these  things  were  dear,  these  things  the. 
deity  placed  in  my  mind  ;  for  different  men  are  delighted  with 
different  einplojuncnts.  For  before  the  sons  of  the  Grecians 
embarked  against  Troy,  nine  times  I  was  commander  over 
men,  and  swift  shi})s,  against  foreign  men  :  and  all  things  turned 
out  well  for  me  ;  from  thesc-^  I  chose  out  what  was  agreeable 
to  my  mind,  and  many  things  I  afterward  obtained  by  lot ; 
but  my  house  rapidly  increased,  and  then  1  became  mighty 
and  revered  among  the  Cretans.  But  when  wide-seeing  Jove 
determined  on  this  hateful  expedition,  which  loosened  the 
knees  of  many  men,  then  they  ordered  me  and  illustrious  Ido- 
meneus  to  take  the  command  of  the  ships  to  Troy ;  nor  was 
there  any  contrivance  to  refuse  it,  for  the  clamor  of  the  peo¬ 
ple  was  harsh.  There  indeed  for  nine  years  we  sons  of  the 
Grecians  w-^aged  war,  but  in  the  tenth  having  destroyed  the 
city  of  Priam,  we  embarked  homeward  with  our  ships ;  and 
the  deity  dispersed  the  Grecians.  P>ut  for  wretched  me  plan¬ 
ning  Jove  devised  evil  ;  for  for  a  month  only  I  remained  de¬ 
lighted  with  my  parents,  and  my  virgin-wedded  wife,  and  my 
possessions.  But  then  my  mind  incited  me  to  sail  to  Egypt, 
having  well-equipped  ships  with  godlike  companions.  I 
equipped  nine  ships,  and  quickly  were  the  people  collected 
together.  For  six  days  then  my  beloved  companions  feasted; 
but  I  gave  [them]  many  victims,  both  to  sacrifice  to  the  gods, 
and  to  furnish  a  banquet  for  themselves.  But  on  the  seventh, 

”  i.  0.  sceiiif'  me  in  my  present  infirm  old  age,  thou  wilt  guess  what  I 
was  when  young.  See  Loewe. 
i.  e.  agriculture. 

i.  0.  from  the  hootv,  the  results  of  niv  labors. 

t,  i  V 

I 


21 


194 


ODYSSEY.  XIV. 


[.‘25?-  2D0 


embad'king  from  spacious  Crete,  we  sailed  with  a  clear,  beau 
tifuD north  wind,  easily,  and  as  if  down  the  stream  ;  nor  in¬ 
deed  was  any  one  of  my  ships  injured,  but  we  sat  unscathed 
and  free  from  disease  ;  and  the  wind  and  the  helmsmen  di¬ 
rected  them.  Ikit  on  the  fifth  day  we  came  to  fair-streamed 
Egypt ;  and  I  stationed  my  ships,  rowed  on  both  sides,  in  the 
river  Egyptus  then  indeed  I  ordered  my  beloved  compan¬ 
ions  to  remain  there  near  to  the  ships,  and  to  draw  up  the 
ships  ;  and  I  urged  watches  to  go  to  watch-places.  But  they, 
yielding  to  insolence,  following  their  own  impulse,  very  quick  ¬ 
ly  laid  waste  the  beautiful  liclds  of  the  Egyptians,  and  took 
away  their  wives  and  infant  children,  and  slew  them.  And 
the  clamor  soon  reached  the  city ;  and  they,  hearing  the  cry, 
came  together  with  the  shining  morn :  and  the  whole  plain 
was  filled  with  foot  and  horse,  and  the  glittering  of  brass : 
but  thunder-rejoicing  Jove  cast  a  cowardly  panic  upon  my 
companions,  nor  did  any  one  dare  to  remain  opposed  to  them 
for  evils  surrounded  them^^  from  on  every  side.  There  they 
slew  many  of  us  indeed  with  the  sharp  brass,  and  some  they 
led  away  alive,  to  work  for  them  by  necessity.  But  Jove  him) 
self  put  this  thought  in  my  breast  (would  that  I  had  died, 
and  drawn  on  my  fate  there  in  Egypt !  for  calamity  still 
then  awaited  me):  I  immediately  took  the  well-made  helmet 
from  my  head,  and  the  shield  from  my  shoulders,  and  I  threw 
my  spear  out  of  my  hand :  but  I  came  opposite  the  horses 
of  the  king,  and  taking  hold  of  his  knees  I  kissed  them ;  but 
he  freed  me,  and  took  pity  on  me  :  and  having  set  me  in 
his  chariot,  he  led  me  home  shedding  tears.  Many  of  them 
indeed  rushed  against  me  with  their  ash-shafted  spears,^^  de¬ 
siring  to  kill  mo  (for  they  were  very  Avroth),  but  he  warded 
them  off:  for  he  revered  the  anger  of  hospitable  Jove,  Avho  is 
especially  indignant  at  evil  deeds.  Then  indeed  I  for  seven 
years  remained  there,  and  collected  many  })OSse.ssious  among 
Egyptian  men,  for  all  ofiered  gifts.  l>ut  when  at  length  the 
eighth  year  came  revolving  round,  then  a  Phoenician  man 
came,  knowing  deceitful  things,  crafty,  who  indeed  had 
worked  many  evils  for  men ;  who  took  me  away,  overper- 

"  The  Nile.  Cf.  Pausan.  ix.  40,  'O/^iripog  roig  dp^aloig  txpwcirt 
dvopamv,  icaOuTi  Kai  "Aiyvirrov  rlv  Ttorapov  tiTTfv,  ov  'StlXov.  Loewe. 

Tiie  E"vj)tians.  Tlie  companions  of  Ulysses. 

This  is  the  full  meaning  of  ^wXi'y-rtw. 


291—026.] 


ODYSSEY.  XIV. 


195 


suading  me  by  bis  wit,  until  we  came  to  Phoenicia,  where  his 
liouses  and  possessions  lay.  There  with  him  I  remained  for 
a  full  year.  But  wlien  the  months  and  days  were  now  fin¬ 
ished,  the  year  revolving  round  again,  and  the  seasons  came 
on,  he  set  me  in  a  sea-traversing  ship,  [to  go]  to  Libya,  hav¬ 
ing  j^lotted  false  things,  that  1  take  freight  together  with  him, 
but  in  order  tliat  he  might  transport  me  thither  [to  be  sold  as 
a  slave],  and  receive  a  vast  price  [for  me].  I  attended  him 
in  the  ship  by  necessity,  although  suspecting.  And  it  ran 
M'ith  a  clear  beautiful  north  wind  to  the  middle  main  beyond 
Crete  :  but  Jove  devised  destruction  for  them.  But  when  we 
had  now  left  Crete, nor  did  any  other  land  appear,  but  the 
heaven  and  the  sea,  then  at  length  the  son  of  Saturn  reared  an 
azure  cloud  above  the  hollow  ship ;  and  the  sea  grew  dark^"^ 
bencatli  it.  But  Jove  thundered  frequently,  and  hurled  a 
thunder-bolt  upon  the  ship:  and  it  was  all  whirled  about, 
stricken  by  the  tlumdcr-bolt  of  Jove,  and  it  was  filled  with 
sulphur,  and  all  (the  sailors)  fell  from  the  ship.  And  they, 
like  unto  gulls,  were  borne  on  the  waves  around  the  black 
ship  :  and  God  took  away  their  return.  But  Jove  gave  to  me 
in  mine  hands,  although  having  griefs  in  mind,  the  unbroken 
mast  of  the  azurc-prowed  ship,  that  I  might  escape  calamity. 
Clinging  around  this,  I  was  borne  along  by  the  destructive 
winds  :  for  nine  days  I  was  borne,  but  in  the  tenth  black  night 
a  mighty  rolling  billow  drifted  me  to  the  land  of  the  Thespro- 
tians.  There  the  liero  Pheidon,  king  of  the  Thesprotians,  en¬ 
tertained  me  without  expense  :  for  his  dear  son,  coming  to  me 
subdued  with  cold  and  toil,  led  me  home,  having  raised  me 
by  the  hand,  until  he  reached  the  house  of  his  sire.  And  he 
put  on  me  a  cloak  and  tunic  as  garments. 

“There  I  heard  of  Ulysses ;  for  he  said  that  he  entertained 
him,  and  received  him  kindly,  as  he  was  returning  to  his  pa¬ 
ternal  land.  And  he  showed  me  the  possessions  which  Ulys¬ 
ses  had  collected  together,  brass,  and  gold,  and  much-wrought 
steel.  And  it  would  feed  another  family  even  to  the  tenth 


Cf.  xii.  403,  sqq.  Moschus,  Id.  ii.  127.  yd’  ore  dr)  yaiyq  djro  rca- 
TpidoQ  ijtv  dvivBiV  (paivtTca  d’  out  dicTt)  tic;  ciXippooc,  ovt  ojoog  aiTTv,  'AXV 
cu)f)  jiiv  vTTtpQtv,  tvtpBt  de  ttovtqq  enreipiov. 

So  Alciphron,  Oj).  i.  1.  tTre^piKti  p.iv  d  ttovtoq  p.t\an>uptvoQ.  Pa- 
ciivius,  “  inliorrescit  iimre,  teiiebrai  condiqdicaiitur,  iiocdsquc  et  nim- 
biiiu  occa3cat  iiigror.” 


19G 


ODYSSEY.  XIV. 


[327— 36G. 


generation  ;  so  much  treasure  lay  for  him  in  the  palace  of  the 
king.  But  he  said  that  he  was  gone  to  Dodona,  that  he  might 
ask  the  counsel  of  the  deity  from  the  lofty-tressed  oak  of  Jove, 
how  he  should  return  to  the  rich  people  of  Ithaca,  having  now 
been  a  long  time  absent,  whether  openly  or  secretly.  And  he 
swore  to  me  myself,  making  libations  in  his  house,  that  the 
ship  was  launched,  and  that  his  companions  were  ready,  who 
should  at  length  escort  him  to  his  dear  paternal  land.  But 
me  he  sent  away  first ;  for  a  ship  of  the  Thesprotians  happen¬ 
ed  to  be  going  to  wheat-abounding  Dulichium.  Then  he  or¬ 
dered  them  to  conduct  me  diligently  to  king  Acastus :  but  an 
evil  plan  concerning  me  pleased  them  in  their  mind,  that  1 
miglit  still  be  in  woe  in  addition  to  calamity.  But  when  the 
sea-traversing  ship  had  sailed  far  away  from  the  land,  they 
immediately  plotted  for  me  the  day  of  slavery.  Tliey  took 
off  my  cloak  and  tunic,  my  garments,  and  then  around  me 
threw  another  sordid  rag,  and  tunic,  tattered,  which  even  thou 
thyself  beholdest  Avith  thine  eyes.  But  in  the  evening  they 
came  to  the  tilled  lands  of  Western  Ithaca  ;  there  indeed  they 
bound  me  down  in  the  well-benched  ship,  firmly,  with  a  well- 
twisted  cable ;  but  they  disembarking,  hastily  took  a  supper 
near  the  shore  of  the  sea.  But  the  gods  themselves  easily 
bent  back  my  bond  ;  and  wrapping  a  rag  around  my  head,  I 
descended  down  the  polished  rudder,  and  made  my  breast  ap¬ 
proach  the  sea :  then  I  rowed  on  with  both  my  hands,  swim¬ 
ming,  and  I  Avas  very  quickly  out  of  the  Avay,  at  a  distance 
from  them.  Then  going  up  Avherc  there  was  a  thicket  of  a 
flourishing  Avood,  I  lay  crouching  doAvn  ;  but  they  AA-alked 
about  groaning  greatly:  but  it  did  not  appear  to  them  to  be 
better  to  search  further  ;  therefore  they  embarked  again  in 
the  holloAv  ship  :  but  the  gods  themselves  easily  concealed  me; 
and  leading  me  aAvay,  made  me  approach  the  abode  of  a  skill¬ 
ful  man  ;  for  still  it  is  fated  for  me  to  live.*’ 

But  him  thou  didst  address  in  ansAV'er,  O  SAvine-herd  Eu- 
mmus :  “Ah  Avretched  one  of  strangers!  thou  hast  excited 
my  mind  very  much,  relating  each  of  these  things,  hoAV  much 
thou  hast  suffered,  and  hoAV  much  thou  hast  Avandered.  But 
I  do  not  think  that  these  things  are  right,  nor  Avilt  thou  per¬ 
suade  me,  speaking  about  Ulysses ;  Avhy  is  it  lit  that  thou, 
being  such  an  one,  shouldst  speak  falsely,  to  no  purpose  ? 
But  I  myself  Avell  knoAv  as  to  the  return  of  my  master,  that 


3GG— 405.] 


ODYSSEY.  XIV. 


197 


he  was  very  much  hated  by  all  the  gods,  because  they  did 
not  subdue  him  among  the  Trojans,  or  in  the  hands  of  his 
friends,  when  he  had  spun  out  the  toil  of  the  war.  Then  for 
liiin  would  all  the  Grecians  have  made  a  tomb,  and  he  would 
liave  obtained  mighty  renown,  even  for  his  son  hereafter. 
But  now  the  Harpies  have  snatched  him  away  ingloriously. 
But  I  am  out  of  the  way  among  the  swine ;  nor  do  I  go  to 
the  city  except  by  chance  prudent  Penelope  encourages  me  to 
come,  when  intelligence  arrives  from  any  where.  But  they 
sitting  near  him,  inquire  every  thing,  both  those  who  are 
grieving  for  our  long  absent  king,  and  those  who  rejoice,  con¬ 
suming  his  livelihood  with  impunity.  But  to  me  it  is  not 
pleasant  to  inquire  and  ask,  from  the  time  since  an  Hitolian 
man  deceived  me  by  his  tale,  who  indeed  having  slain  a  man, 
having  wandered  over  much  land,  came  to  my  abode ;  and  I 
cherished  him  very  much.  He  said  that  he  saw  him  with 
Idomeneus  among  the  Cretans,  repairing  his  ships,  which  the 
tempests  had  shattered:  and  he  said  that  he  would  come,  ei¬ 
ther  in  the  summer  or  the  autumn,  bringing  many  possessions, 
with  his  godlike  companions.  And  do  thou,  O  much-sorrow¬ 
ing  old  man,  since  the  deity  has  brought  thee  unto  me,  nei¬ 
ther  gratify  me  at  all  with  falsehoods,  nor  soothe  me  at  all. 
For  I  shall  not  on  that  account  reverence  or  entertain  thee, 
but  [as]  fearing  hospitable  Jove,  and  pitying  thee.” 

But  him  much-planning  Ulysses  answering  addressed: 
“  Surely  thou  hast  a  certain  incredulous  mind  in  thy  breast. 
Thee  alone,  having  made  an  oath,  I  have  not  brought  over, 
nor  do  I  persuade  thee.  But  come  now,  we  will  make  a 
covenant ;  but  let  the  gods  also,  who  possess  Olympus,  bo 
witnesses  unto  both  [of  us].  If  thy  master  shall  return  to 
this  house,  liaving  put  a  cloak  and  tunic  as  garments  upon 
me,  send  me  to  go  to  Dulichium,  where  it  is  ])lcasing  to  rny 
mind  [that  1  should  go]  :  but  if  thy  master  shall  not  come,  as 
I  tell  thee,  having  charged  thy  servants,  cast  me  down  a  great 
rock,  that  another  beggar  also  may  avoid  to  flatter  [with  false 
hopes].” 

But  him  the  divine  swine-herd  answering  addressed:  “O 
stranger,  thus  indeed  for  me  there  would  be  glory  and  ex¬ 
cellence  among  men,  both  immediately,  and  for  the  future,  if 
T,  when  I  had  brought  thee  into  my  tent,  and  bestowed  hos¬ 
pitality  on  thee,  I  sliould  afterward  slay  thee,  and  take  away 


198 


ODYSSEY.  XIV. 


[400—437. 


tliy  dear  life,  willingly  then  should  I  supplicate  Jove,  the  son 
of  Saturn.  But  now  it  is  time  for  supper;  very  soon  will 
my  companions  be  within,  that  we  may  prepare  an  abundiuit 
supper  in  the  tent.” 

Thus  they  indeed  spoke  such  wmrds  to  one  another.  But 
the  swine  drew  near,  and  the  men  wlio  fed  the  swine  came  : 
they  fenced  them  in  their  accustomed  places  to  sleep ;  and  an 
immense  clamor  arose  from  the  swine  entering  their  sty. 
But  he,  the  divine  swine-herd,  exhorted  liis  companions : 
“  Bring  the  best  of  the  swine,  that  I  may  sacrifice  it  for  my 
guest  from  afar ;  but  besides  we  will  ourselves  enjoy  it,  who 
have  toiled  for  a  long  time,  suffering  on  account  of  the  white- 
tusked  swine ;  but  others  are  consuming  our  labors  wdtli  im¬ 
punity.” 

Thus  Iniving  spoken,  he  cleft  wood  wdth  the  hard  steel ; 
but  they  brought  in  a  very  fat  sow  of  five  years  old;  they 
immediately  placed  it  on  the  hearth  ;  nor  was  the  swine-herd 
forgetful  of  the  immortals  (for  he  possessed  an  excellent  dis¬ 
position),  but,  having  offered  the  first-fruits,  he  threw  the 
hair  of  the  head  of  the  wdiitc-tusked  sow  in  the  fire,  and 
prayed  to  all  the  gods,  that  wise  Ulysses  might  return  to  his 
home.  But  he  struck  it  wdth  a  splinter  of  oak,  lifting  [it]  up, 
W’hich  he  left  there,  having  cut  it;  and  life  left  it:  but  they 
cut  up  and  roasted  it ;  and  they  quickly  singed  it ;  but  the 
swine-herd  put  tlie  raw  parts  over  the  rich  fat,  taking  away  on 
all  sides  some  flesh  for  sacrifice^®  from  the  limbs.  And  he 
threw  other  parts  in  the  fire,  having  sprinkled  them  with  the 
fruit  of  meal,  and  they  cut  up  the  other  parts,  and  stuck  them 
on  spits,  and  roasted  them  skillfully,  and  drew  it  all  off*:^®  and 
they  threw  it  all  together  on  the  dressers  r®®  and  the  swine¬ 
herd  stood  up  to  carve  it  (for  he  understood  in  his  mind  what 
was  right) ;  and  carving  it,  he  distributed  the  whole  into 
seven  parts  :  one  part,  indeed,  having  made  a  vow,  he  gave  to 
the  Nymphs,  and  to  Mercury,  the  son  of  Maia,  and  the  rest 
he  distributed  to  each :  but  he  honored  Ulysses  W'ith  the 
continuous  back  of  the  white-tusked  sow:  and  he  delighted 

I  am  indebted  to  Ruttmann  for  this  correct  explanation  cf  apxofit- 
voQ.  See  Lcxil.  ]).  109. 

See  Ruttm.  Lexil.  p.  304,  2. 

I  am  indebted  to  the  note  of  the  old  translator  for  this  rendering 
of  iXio'iQ,  which  Eustathius  interprets,  tcuq  paytipiKoiQ  Tpairi^aiq. 


<;58— 475.] 


ODYSSEY.  XIV. 


199 


the  mind  of  the  king  ;  and  much-planning  Ulysses  speaking 
addressed  him :  ‘‘  Mayest  thou  be  so  dear  to  father  Jove  as 
thou  art  to  me,  since  thou  honorest  me,  being  such  an  one, 
Avith  good  things.*’ 

But  him  thou  didst  address  in  ansAver,  O  swine-herd 
Euma^us :  “  Eat,  O  divine  one  of  guests,  and  delight  thyself 
Avith  these  things,  such  as  arc  present ;  for  God  bestows  one 
thing,  and  refuses  another,  Avhatever  he  Avills  in  his  own 
mind  ;  for  he  can  [do]  all  things.*’ 

He  spoke  ;  and  made  the  first  offerings  to  the  immortal 
gods:  and  having  made  a  libation  of  dark  Avine,  he  placed  it 
in  the  hands  of  city-destroying  Ulysses,  and  he  sat  near  his 
share.  And  Mesaulius  portioned  out  bread  to  them,‘Avhoni 
the  swine-herd  himself  alone’"'^  had  purchased,  Avhen  his  mas¬ 
ter  Avas  absent,  Avithout  the  knoAvledge  of  his  mistress  and  of 
old  Laertes.  But  he  bought  him  from  the  Taphians  Avith  his 
own  possessions.  And  they  stretched  out  their  hands  to  the 
viands  lying  ready  before  them  :  but  AAdien  they  had  taken 
aAvay  the  desire  of  drinking  and  eating,  Mesaulius  took  away 
the  food ;  and  they,  satiated  Avith  bread  and  flesh,  hastened 
to  bed.  But  an  evil  dim-mooned  night  came  on,  and  Jove 
rained  all  night:  and  the  mighty  West  Avind,  that  ever  brings 
rain,  bleAV.  And  Uly.sses  addressed  them,  trying  the  SAvine- 
herd,  if  any  Iioav  he  Avould  take  off  his  cloak  and  give  it  to 
him,  or  AA'ould  urge  some  one  else  of  his  companions  to  do  so : 
since  he  took  great  care  of  him  : 

“  Hear  me  iioav,  O  Eurnceus,  and  all  ye  others  his  compan¬ 
ions,  I  shall  speak  some  Avord  boasting:  for  maddening  Avine 
encourages  me,  Avhich  has  excited  even  a  very  Avise  man  to 
sing  out  loudly,  and  has  set  him  on  to  laugh  afFectedly,^^  j^nd 
to  dance,  and  has  giv’en  \’ent  to  a  AVord,  Avhich  Avas  better  un¬ 
spoken.  But  since  I  liaA'e  first  cried  out,  I  Avill  not  conceal 
it.  Would  that  I  Avere  as  young,  and  my  strength  as  firm,  as 
Avhen  AA'e  led  an  ambush  under  Troy,  having  contrived  it. 
But  Ulysses  and  Menelaus,  the  son  of  Atreus,  led,  but  Avith 
them  1  the  third  ruled :  for  they  desired  me.  But  Avhen  in¬ 
deed  AA'e  came  to  the  city  and  the  lofty  Avail,  avc  lay  doAvn  near 
the  fortifications  among  the  thick  bushes,  crouching  under 
our  aians  among  the  reeds  and  marsh :  but  an  evil  night 

^  i.  c.  Avitli  his  OAvn  money. 

Cowper  Avell  renders  arraXov  ye\a(jai,  to  titter. 


200 


ODYSSEY.  XIV. 


[475—515, 


came  on,  the  North  wind  liaving  fallen,  frosty,  but  above  there 
was  snow,  like  as  hoar-frost,  cold,  and  ice  was  congealed 
around  our  shields,  'idiere  all  the  others  had  cloaks  and  gar- 
inents,  and  they  slept  quiet,  wrapping  round  their  shoulders 
with  their  shields  ;  but  I,  having  set  out  with  my  compan¬ 
ions,  foolishly  left  my  cloak,  since  I  did  not  suppose  that  it 
would  be  excessively  cold  :  but  1  followed,  having  a  shield 
only  and  a  shining  girdle.  But  when  it  was  now  the  third 
part  of  the  night,  and  the  stars  had  departed,  then  I  address¬ 
ed  Ulysses,  being  near  me,  nudging  him  with  my  elbow  (but 
he  readily  listened) :  ‘  O  noble  son  of  Laertes,  much-contriv¬ 
ing  Ulysses,  I  shall  no  longer  be  among  the  living,  but  the 
weather  overcomes  me  ;  for  I  have  not  a  cloak :  a  deity  de¬ 
ceived  me,  so  that  I  should  only  have  one  garment :  but  this 
can  now  no  longer  be  avoided.’  Thus  I  spoke,  but  he  imme¬ 
diately  had  this  plan  in  his  mind,  such  an  one  wa^  he  to  take 
counsel,  and  to  tight-.  And  speaking  in  a  low  v.oice,  he  thus 
addressed  me :  ‘  Be  silent  now,  for  fear  some  one  else  of  the 
Grecians  •should  hear  thee.’  He  spoke,  and  he  held  his  head 
upon  his  elbow,  and  spoke  :  ‘  Hear  me,  friends,  a  divine  dream 
has  come  upon  me  in  my  sleep  ;  for  we  have  come  very  far 
from  the  ships:  but  let  some  one  go  to  tell  Agamemnon,  son 
of  Atreus,  the  shepherd  of  the  people,  in  order  that  he  may 
incite  more  [men]  to  come  from  the  ships.’  Thus  he  spoke, 
but  Thoas,  son  Andrmmon,  quickly  arose,  and  he  threw  off* 
his  purple  cloak^  and  set  out  to  run  to  the  ships  ;  but  I  lay 
in  his  garment  gladly;  and  golden-throned  Morning  shone. 
Would  that  I  were  now  thus  young,  and  my  strength  was 
firm,  then  some  one  of  the  swine-herds  in  the  stalls  would 
give  me  a  cloak,  on  both  accounts,  through  love  and  through 
reverence  of  such  a  man  :  but  now  they  disregard  me,  having 
evil  garments  on  my  body.” 

But  him  thou  didst  address  in  answer,  O  swine-herd  Eu- 
niaeus :  “  O  old  man,  the  story  is  blameless  for  thee,  as  to 
what  thou  hast  related,  nor  hast  thou  spoken  any  profitless 
word  contrary  to  what  is  right.  Therefore  thou  shalt  not 
now  be  in  want  of  a  garment,  nor  of  any  thing  else  of  the  things 
that  are  needful  for  a  suppliant  who  has  undergone  much, 
and  entreats  one  ;  but  in  the  morning  thou  shalt  shake  thine 
own  rags  about  thee.  For  there  are  not  many  cloaks  and 
change  of  garments  here  to  put  on,  but  one  only  for  each  man. 


51G— 533.  XV.  1—7.]  ODYSSEY.  XV. 


201 


[But  when  the  dear  son  of  Ulysses  returns,  he  himself  will 
give  thee  a  cloak  and  tunic  as  garments,  and  will  send  thee 
wherever  thy  heart  and  mind  commands  thee.]” 

Thus  having  spoken  he  leaped  up ;  and  he  placed  a  bed  for 
him  near  the  lire,  and  on  it  he  threw  skins  of  sheep  and  goats. 
Then  Ulysses  lay  down  ;  and  ho  spread  over  him  a  thick  and 
large  clyak,  which  afforded  him  a  change,  to  put  on,  when 
any  terrible  storm  arose. 

Thus  then  Ulysses  slept  there,  and  the  young  men  slept 
near  him,  but  a  bed  there  did  not  please  the  swine-herd,  to 
sleej)  away  from  the  swine  :  and  going  out,  he  armed  himself; 
and  Ulysses  rejoiced,  because  indeed  he  took  care  of  his  prop¬ 
erty  when  he  was  at  a  distance.  First  then  he  girt  a  sharp 
sword  around  his  sturdy  shoulders,  and  put  on  a  very  thick 
garment,  to  ward  off  the  wind,  and  he  took  the  fleece  of  a 
large,  well-nourished  goat,  and  he  took  a  ^larp  javelin,  for  a 
warder-off  of  dogs  and  men.  And  he  set  out  to  lie  down 
where  the  white-tusked  swine  slept  under  a  hollow  rock,  un¬ 
der  shelter  from  the  North  wind. 


BOOK  X  Y. 


ARGUMENT. 

Telemaclius,  wliile  staying  at  LacedaBmon  with  Pisistratus,  son  of  Nestor, 
is  admonished  by  Minerva  in  a  dream,  and  sets  out  for  Ithaea.  After 
a  brief  stay  at  Pherai,  he  reaches  Pylos,  when,  just  as  he  is  on  the 
point  of  embarking,  Tlieoclymenus,  an  Argive  prophet,  entreats  liim 
to  take  him  on  board,  as  he  was  a  fugitive,  Iiaving  committed  murder. 
Meanwhile  Eumaius  relates  to  Ulvsscs  how  he  reached  Ithaca.  Te- 

4/ 

lemachus  arrives  at  Ithaca,  commands  his  companions  to  take  the 
ship  to  tlie  city,  commits  Tlieoclymenus  to  the  care  of  one  of  them, 
and  himself  goes  to  Euimeus. 

But  Pallas  Minerva  went  to  wide^  Lacedaemon,  to  put  the 
glorious  son  of  magnanimous  Ulysses  in  mind  of  his  return, 
and  to  incite  him  to  go  back.  And  she  found  Telemaclius 
and  the  glorious  son  of  Nestor  sleeping  in  the  vestibule  of  re¬ 
nowned  Menelaus  :  the  son  of  Nestor  indeed  [she  found]  over¬ 
come  with  soft  sleep ;  but  sweet  sleep  did  not  possess  Telem- 
achus,  but  in  his  mind  he  raised  up  cares  for  his  father  through' 

'  See  Loewc  on  vi.  4. 

1  2 


202 


ODYSSEY.  XV. 


t8— 45. 


out  the  ambrosial  night :  and  blue-eyed  Minerva  standing 
near  addressed  [him]  : 

“  O  Telemachus,  no  longer  to  advantage  art  tliou  ■wander¬ 
ing  a  long  time  from  thine  home,  leaving  both  thy  possessions, 
and  men  so  overbearing  in  thine  house  :  lest  they,  having 
made  a  division,  should  consume-  all  thy  possessions,  and 
thou  shouldst  have  come  a  vain  journey.  Hut  as  quickly  as 
possible  exhort  Menelaus,  gallant  in  battle,  to  send  thee,  that 
thou  mayest  still  find  thy  blameless  mother  at  home  ;  (for  now 
lier  father  and  brothers  encourage  her  to  marry  Eurymachus; 
for  he  surpasses  all  the  suitors  in  gifts,  and  has  increased  the 
bridal  presents  ;)  for  fear  some  property  should  be  taken  away 
from  tliine  house  against  thy  will.  For  thou  knowest  what 
is  the  mind  in  the  breast  of  a  woman ;  she  wishes  to  increase 
the  house  of  tliat  man,  whoever  weds  her,  but  she  no  longer 
is  mindful  of  her  former  children  and  virgin- wedded^  husband, 
who  is  dead,  nor  does  she  inquire  for  him.  Hut  do  thou  thy¬ 
self  go  and  commit  every  thing  to  [one]  of  the  servants,  who¬ 
ever  appears  to  thee  to  be  the  best,  until  the  gods  show  thee 
a  good  wife.  Hut  I  indeed  will  tell  thee  something  else  ;  and 
do  thou  set  it  in  thy  mind.  The  chiefs  of  the  suitors  care¬ 
fully  lie  in  ambush  for  thee  in  the  strait  of  Ithaca  and  rug¬ 
ged  Samos,  longing  to  slay  thee,  before  thou  dost  reach  thy 
paternal  land.  Hut  I  do  not  think  these  things  [will  happen] ; 
the  earth  will  first  hold  some  one  of  the  suitors,  who  are  con¬ 
suming  thy  livelihood.  Hut  keep  thy  well-built  ship  far  away 
from  the  island,  and  sail,  nevertheless,  in  the  night ;  and  [one] 
of  the  immortals  will  send  thee  a  prosperous  gale  from  be¬ 
hind,  whoever  guards  and  preserves  thee.  Hut  when  thou 
shalt  reach  the  first  shore  of  Ithaca,  hasten  thy  ship  and  all 
thy  companions  to  the  city ;  and  do  thou  first  go  to  tlie  swine¬ 
herd,  who  is  the  guardian  of  thy  swine  ;  but,  neverthele.ss,  he 
has  a  kind  disposition.  And  sleep  there  during  the  night; 
and  urge  him  [to  go]  within  the  city  to  give  a  message  to  pru¬ 
dent  Penelope,  that  tliou  art  safe,  and  hast  arrived  from  Py- 
los.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  she  departed  to  lofty  Olympus.  Hut 
he  roused  the  son  of  Nestor  from  sweet  sleep  [moving  him 
with  his  heel,  and  addressed  him  in  words] :  “  Pise,  O  Pisis- 

*  Cf.  xiv.  223,  olKuxptXitj. 

’  Or  rather,  “  true,  legitimate.”  See  Buttm.  Lexil.  p.  393. 


4G— 83.] 


ODYSSEY.  XV. 


203 


tratus,  son  of  Nestor,  leading  the  solid-hoofed  steeds,  yoke 
them  under  the  chariot,  that  we  may  perform  our  journey.” 

But  him  Bisistratus,  the  son  of  Nestor,  answered  in  turn: 

O  Telemachus,  it  is  not  possible  for  us,  although  hastening 
on  our  journey,  to  drive  through  the  gloomy  night:  but  it 
will  soon  be  morning.  But  remain,  until  the  spear-renowned 
hero  Atrides,  Menelaus,  bringing  presents,  shall  place  them 
in  our  chariot,  and  addressing  us  with  kindly  words,  shall 
send  us  away.  F or  a  guest  all  his  days  is  mindful  of  that 
hospitable  man  who  affords  entertainment.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  and  immediately  the  golden-throned  morn¬ 
ing  came ;  and  Menelaus,  gallant  in  battle,  came  near  them, 
rising  from  his  bed,  from  fair-haired  Helen.  But  when  the 
dear  son  of  Ulysses  perceived  him,  the  hero  hastening  put  a 
shining  tunic  about  his  body,  and  threw  a  large  robe  over  his 
sturdy  shoulders  :  and  he  went  out  of  the  door,  and  Telema¬ 
chus,  the  dear  son  of  divine  Ulysses,  standing  near  addressed 
him:  “O  IMenelaus,  Jove-nurtured  son  of  Atreus,  chieftain 
of  the  people,  now  then  send  me  away  to  my  dear  paternal 
land  ;  for  now  my  mind  desires  to  reach  home.” 

But  him  Menelaus,  gallant  in  battle,  answered:  “O  Te- 
Icmachus,  I  will  not  detain  thee  here  for  much  time,  since 
thou  art  anxious  for  thy  return  :  I  shoidd  also  be  indignant  at 
any  other  man  who  receives  guests,  who  should  love  one  very 
much,  or  hate  one  very  much  ;  but  all  things  that  arc  proper 
arc  best.  He  is  an  equal  evil,  both  he  who  urges  a  guest  who 
is  not  willing  to  return,  and  he  who  detains  one  hastening  [to 
depart].  [It  is  fit  to  receive  a  guest  kindly  when  present, 
and  to  send  him  away  willingly.^]  But  remain,  until  I  bring 
beautiful  gifts  and  place  them  on  the  chariot,  and  thou  mayest 
behold  them  with  thine  eyes ;  and  I  will  tell  the  Avomen  to 
prepare  a  banquet  in  the  palace,  enough  of  the  things  that  are 
within.  It  is  both  a  glory,  and  honor,  and  an  advantage, 
[for  men]  to  set  out  over  a  long,  boundless  tract,  having 
feasted.  But  if  thou  dost  wish  to  turn  your  course  through 
Hellas,  and  the  middle  of  Argos,  then  I  will  myself  attend 
thee,  and  Avill  yoke  my  horses,  and  will  show  thee  the  cities 
of  men  ;  nor  Avill  any  one  send  us  away  in  vain,  but  will  give 

*  Cf.  Theocrit.  Id  xvi.  27.  /Jijde  '^eivocukop  KaKov  t[.inevar  dXXd  rpa- 
TrtZ{l  fitiXi'^avT  aTTOTrijiii/ai,  tTiitv  iOsXiovTi  vUadai. 


204 


ODYSSEY.  XV. 


[84—123. 


US  some  one  thing  at  least  to  cany  away,  either  some  one  of 
brazen  tripods,  or  caldrons,  or  two  mules,  or  a  golden  cup.” 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn  :  “  O  Men- 
elaus,  Jove-nurtured  son  of  Atreus,  chieftain  of  the  people,  I 
would  rather®  now  return  to  my  own  home :  (for  on  setting 
out  I  did  not  leave  behind  a  guard  over  my  possessions,)  lest 
seeking  for  my  godlike  sire,  1  myself  should  perish,  or  some 
excellent  treasure  should  be  lost  to  me  from  the  palace.” 

But  when  Menelaus,  gallant  in  battle,  heard  this,  he  imme¬ 
diately  commanded  his  wife  and  maid-servants  to  prepare  a 
feast  in  the  palace,  enough  of  the  things  that  were  within. 
And  Eteoneus,  son  of  Boetheus,  came  near  him,  rising  from 
his  bed,  since  he  did  not  dwell  far  off  from  him  :  him,  Mene¬ 
laus,  gallant  in  battle,  ordered  to  light  a  lire,  and  to  roast 
meat:  and  he,  having  heard,  did  not  disobey  him.  But  he 
himself  descended  to  his  fragrant  chamber,  not  alone,  [for] 
Helen  and  Megapenthes  went  with  him.  But  when  they 
came  there,  where  lay  his  treasures,  the  son  of  Atreus  then 
took  a  round  cup,  and  ordered  his  son  Megapenthes  to  carry 
a  silver  bowl ;  and  Helen  stood  near  the  chests,  where  were 
her  all-variegated  garments,  which  she  herself  wrought.  Hel¬ 
en,  divine  one  of  W'omen,  having  taken  one  of  these,  brought 
it,  which  was  the  most  beautiful  in  its  embroidery  and  the 
largest :  and  it  shone  like  a  star,  and  lay  lowest  of  all.  And 
they  set  out  to  go  onward  through  the  house,  until  they  came 
to  Telemachus ;  but  him  auburn-haired  Menelaus  [thus]  ad¬ 
dressed  : 

“  O  Telemachus,  may  Jove,  the  loud-sounding  husband  of 
Juno,  so  accomplish  thy  return,  as  thou  desirest  in  thy  mind. 
But  of  the  presents, 'wliatever  treasures  lie  in  my  house,  I 
will  give  thee  that  which  is  most  beautiful  and  precious.  I 
will  give  thee  a  wrouglit  bowl :  but  it  is  all  silver,  and  tlie 
lips  are  bound  with  gold ;  it  is  the  work  of  Vulcan  :  but  the 
hero  Bha3dimus,  king  of  the  Sidonians,  gave  it  [to  me],  when 
his  house  sheltered  me,  as  I  was  returning  from  thence  ;  but 
I  wish  to  give  this  to  thee.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  the  hero  Atrides  placed  the  round  cup 
in  his  hands ;  but  strong  IMegapenthes  bringing  the  shining 
silver  bowl,  placed  it  before  him:  and  fair-cheeked  Helen 


‘  rf.  P'lttm.  Loxil.  p.  10.“> 


124—159.] 


ODYSSEY.  XV. 


205 


stood  near  him,  having  a  garment  in  her  hands,  and  spoke 
and  said : 

‘‘  I  also  give  thee  this  gift,  dear  child,  a  memorial  of  the 
liands  of  Helen,  against  the  time  of  thy  most  desirable  mar¬ 
riage,  for  thy  wife  to  wear :  but  in  the  mean  time  let  it  lie  in 
thy  palace  near  thy  dear  mother ;  and  mayest  thou  rejoicing 
reach  thy  well-built  house,  and  thy  paternal  land.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  she  placed  it  in  his  hands  ;  but  he 
received  it  rejoicing.  And  the  hero  Tisistratus  having  re¬ 
ceived  them,  placed  them  in  the  basket,*^  and  regarded  all 
things  in  his  mind.  But  auburn-haired  Menelaus  led  them 
to  the  house ;  and  they  then  sat  down  on  the  benches  and 
thrones.  And  the  handmaiden  bringing  water  in  a  beautiful 
golden  ewer,  poured  it  over  a  silver  caldron  to  wash  in  ;  and 
near  them  she  spread  a  polished  table.  And  the  venerable 
liousekeeper  bringing  food,  set  it  near  them  [putting  many 
dainties  on  it,  gratifying  them  as  well  as  she  could  from  the 
things  at  hand].  And  near  [them]  the  son  of  Boethus  di¬ 
vided  the  meat,  and  distributed  the  shares,  and  the  son  of 
glorious  Menelaus  poured  out  wine :  and  they  stretched  out 
their  hands  to  the  food  that  was  lying  ready  before  them. 
But  when  they  had  taken  away  the  desire  of  drinking  and 
eating,  then  Telemachus  and  the  illustrious  son  of  Nestor 
yoked  the  horses,  and  mounted  the  variegated  chariot:  and 
they  drove  out  of  the  vestibule  and  resounding  portico.  And 
auburn-haired  INIenelaus,  son  of  Atreus,  w'ent  after  them^ 
having  sweet  wine  in  his  right  hand,  in  a  golden  cup,  that 
they  might  go,  having  made  a  libation.  And  he  stood  before 
the  horses ;  and  pledging  them,  he  spoke  : 

“Farewell,  O  youths,  and  bid  Nestor  the  shepherd  of  the 
people  [hail],  for  to  me  he  was  mild  as  a  lather,  as  long  as 
w^e  sons  of  the  Grecians  waged  war  in  Troy.” 

]^ut  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn  :  “  And  by 
all  means,  O  thou  nurtured  of  Jove,  as  thou  desirest,  when 
we  arrive  we  will  relate  all  these  things  to  him  ;  so  may  I, 
having  returned,  reaching  Ithaca,  tell  Ulysses  in  his  house 
how  I  come,  having  met  with  all  kindness  from  thee,  and  I 
bring  many  and  excellent  treasures.” 

®  Ilesych.  irHpivBoc.  TrXsypa,  to  iiri  rpQ  apd^rig.  Schol.  on  II.  xxiv. 
J90.  TTilpivOa,  TO  iiTiKtipLivov  ry  dpdhj  icXivdior ,  i(f  ov  (ttipovai  to. 

Tia,  o  Kal  VTTfpTtplav  KaXovai. 


206 


ODYSSKY.  XV. 


[1  GO— 109. 


As  lie  was  thus  speaking  a  bird  flew  on  his  right  hand,  an 
eagle,  bearing  a  large  white  goose  in  its  talons,  tame,  from  the 
court :  and  men  and  women  followed  shouting  :  and  it,  coming 
near  to  them,  rushed  on  their  right  hand  before  the  horses, 
and  they  beholding  it  rejoiced,  and  the  mind  of  all  was  de¬ 
lighted  in  their  breasts.  But  to  them  Pisistratus,  son  of 
iSestor,  began  the  discourse:  “Now  tell  me,  O  Jove-nurtured 
Menelaus,  chieftain  of  the  people,  if  God  has  shown  this  as  a 
sign  to  us,  or  to  thee  thyself.” 

Thus  he  spoke:  but  Mars-beloved  Menelaus  meditated,  re¬ 
flecting  in  what  way  he  should  answer  him  rightly.  But 
long-robed  Helen  spoke,  anticipating  him:  “Listen  to  me, 
and  I  will  prophesy,  as  the  immortals  put  it  in  my  mind,  and 
as  1  think  it  will  be  accomplished.  As  this  [eagle]  coming 
from  the  mountain,  where  is  its  race  and  birth,  snatched 
away  the  goose,  which  had  been  nurtured  delicately  in  the 
house ;  so  Ulysses,  having  suffered  many  ills,  and  having 
wandered  much,  will  return  home  and  be  revenged ;  or  is  al¬ 
ready  at  home,  and  devises  evil  for  all  the  suitors.” 

But  her  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn:  “May 
Jove,  the  loud-sounding  husband  of  Juno,  so  bring  it  to  pass, 
then  Mmuld  I,  even  there,  make  vows  to  thee,  as  to  a  god.” 

He  spoke,  and  threw  the  scourge  upon  the  horses :  and 
they  very  quickly  rushed  to  the  plain  from  the  city,  eager. 
And  they  all  the  day,  having  the  yoke  around  [their  necks], 
i^hook  it :  and  the  sun  set,  and  all  the  ways  were  overshad¬ 
owed.  And  they  came  to  Pherae,  to  the  house  of  Diodes,  “son 
of  Orsilochus,  whom  Alpheus  begot  as  his  son.  And  there 
they  slept  during  the  night ;  and  lie  set  before  them  hospita¬ 
ble  gifts.  But  when  tlie  mother  of  dawn,  rosy-fingered  morn- 
ing,  appeared,  they  yoked  the  horses,  and  mounted  the  varie¬ 
gated  chariot :  and  they  drove  out  of  the  vestibule  and  re¬ 
sounding  portico.  And  he  scourged  them  that  they  should 
go  on  ;  and  they  not  unwilling  flew.  And  they  quickly  came 
to  the  lofty  citadel  of  Pylos :  and  then  Telemachus  addressed 
the  son  of  Nestor  : 

“  O  son  of  Nestor,  how,  having  promised  what  I  ask, 
wouldst  thou  perform  it?  throughout  we  profess  ourselves  to 
be  acquaintances  from  the  friendship  of  our  fathers  ;  but  we 
are  also  of  equal  age  ;  and  this  journey  will  more  confirm  us 
in  unity  of  mind.  Do  not  take  me  beyond  out  of  the  way  of 


200—230.] 


ODYSSEY.  XV. 


207 


the  ship,  but  leave  me  here,  lest  the  old  man  should  detain 
me  against  my  will  in  his  house,  longing  to  entertain  me  :  but 
it  is  necessary  for  me  to  return  immediately.” 

Thus  he  spoke;  but  the  son  of  Nestor  considered  in  his 
mind,  how",  having  made  a  promise  to  him,  he  might  perform 
it  rightly.  And  thus  to  him  considering  it  seemed  to  be  bet¬ 
ter;  he  turned  the  horses  to  the  swdft  ship  and  the  shore  of 
the  sea  ;  and  he  took  out  [and  placed  in]  the  stern  of  the 
ship  the  beautiful  presents,  the  garment  and  gold,  which  Men- 
elaus  gave  him  ;  and  urging  him,  he  spoke  winged  W’ords : 

“In  haste  now  embark,  and  order  all  thy  companions,  be¬ 
fore  I  reach  home,  and  inform  the  old  man.  For  I  know  this 
well  in  my  breast  and  in  my  mind,  liow  violent  is  his  temper, 
nor  will  he  let  thee  go :  but  ho  will  himself  come  here  to  call 
thee :  nor  do  I  think  that  thou  wilt  go  away  empty ;  for  he 
wdll  be  very  \vrath.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  drove  the  beautiful-haired  horses 
back  to  the  city  of  the  Pylians,  and  quickly  reached  the  dwell¬ 
ing.  And  Telemachus  commanded  his  companions,  urging 
them  on:  “Put  in  order  the  tackle,  my  companions,  in  the 
black  ship ;  and  let  us  ourselves  embark,  that  we  may  perform 
our  voyage.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  and  they  heard  him  well,  and  obeyed.  And 
they  quickly  embarked  and  sat  down  upon  the  benches.  He 
indeed  w'as  toiling  thus,  and  praying,  and  he  sacrificed  to  Mi¬ 
nerva  near  the  stern  of  the  ship ;  and  a  foreigner  came  near 
him,  flying  from  Argos,  a  prophet,  having  slain  a  man  but 
he  was  a  descendant  of  the  race  ofMelampus,  who  formerly 
dwelt  in  Pylos,  the  mother  of  sheep,  opulent,  inhabiting  a 
very  excellent  house  among  the  Pylians :  then  indeed  he 
came  to  another  people,  flying  his  country,  and  magnanimous 
Neleus,  most  illustrious  of  the  living,  wdio  kept  his  great  pos¬ 
sessions  for  a  whole  year  by  force  :  but  he  in  the  mean  time 

’  On  this  exile  of  murderers  tlie  student  will  do  well  to  consult  IMiil- 
ler’s  Eumenides,  §  44,  ]).  12,h,  etc.  He  remarks  that  “in  the  Heroic  afj;e 
the  ])unishment  for  homicide  was  on  the  whole  more  severe  than  in  the 
Attic  courts  and  Platonic  scheme  of  laws.  For,”  as  he  observes  in  ref¬ 
erence  to  the  present  ])assage  of  Homer,  “the  pursuit  of  vengeance  was 
carried  beyond  the  frontiers  ;  neither  was  it  limited  in  its  operation  as  by 
Attic  law,  but  was  exercised  in  all  its  rclentlessness  ;  even  in  foreign  coun¬ 
tries  the  fugitive  murderer  was  in  constant  a])i)rehcnsion  of  the  avenger.” 


208 


ODYSSEY.  XV. 


[231— 2G3. 


was  bound  in  the  palace  of  Pliylacus^  in  a  diificult  bond,  suf¬ 
fering  violent  griefs,  on  account  of  the  daughter  of  Neleus, 
and  a  heavy  calamity,  which  the  goddess,  dreadful  to  be  ap¬ 
proached,^  the  Fury,  placed  in  his  mind.  But  he  escaped 
death,  and  drove  the  loud-lowing  beeves  to  Pylos  from  Phy- 
lace,  and  took  revenge  on  godlike  Neleus,  for  his  shameful 
conduct,  and  brought  liome  a  wife  for  his  brother.  And  he 
came  to  another  people,  to  horse-pasturing  Argos ;  for  there 
it  was  lilted  for  him  to  dwell,  ruling  over  many  Argives. 
There  he  married  a  wife,  and  built  a  lofty-roofed  house,  and 
begot  Antiphates  and  Mantius,  brave  sons.  Antiphates  be¬ 
got  magnanimous  Oileus  :  but  Oileus  begot  people-stirring 
Amphiaraus,  whom  A^gis-bearing  Jove  and  Apollo  loved  ex¬ 
ceedingly  in  their  heart,  in  every  kind  of  friendship  ;  but 
he  did  not  reach  the  threshold  of  old  age,  but  perished  in 
Thebes,  on  account  of  woman’s  presents. Ilis  sons  were 
Alcmmon  and  Amphiloclius.  Mantius  besides  begot  Polyphi>. 
des  and  Clytus :  but  golden-throned  Aurora  snatched  away 
Clytus,  on  account  of  his  beauty,  that  he  might  live  among 
the  immortals.  Put  Apollo  made  noble-minded  Polyphides  a 
prophet,  far  the  most  excellent  of  mortals  (when  Amphiaraus 
had  died),  who  ruled  over  Ilyperesia,  enraged  with  his  father ; 
there  he  dwelling  prophesied  to  all  mortals.  Ilis  son  ap¬ 
proached,  but  Theoclymenus  was  his  name,  who  then  stood 
near  Telemachus ;  and  he  found  him  making  a  libation  and 
praying  near  the  swift  black  ship ;  and  addressing  him,  he 
spoke  winged  words : 

“  O  friend,  since  I  find  thee  sacrificing  in  this  place,  I  en¬ 
treat  thee  by  the  sacrifices  and  the  deity,  but  afterward  by 
thine  own  head,  and  thy  companions  who  follow  thee,  tell  me 

®  Iphiclus,  the  son  cf  riiylacus,  liacl  seized  and  detained  cattle  beloii};- 
ing  to  Neleus;  Neleus  ordered  his  nephew  Melanipns  to  recover  them, 
and,  as  security  for  his  obedience,  seized  on  a  considerable  ])art  of  his 
])Ossessions.  Melampns  attempted  the  sendee,  failed,  and  was  cast  into 
])rison ;  but  at  length  escaping,  accomplished  his  errand,  vanquished 
Neleus  in  battle,  and  carried  off  his  daughter  l^ero,  whom  Neleus  had 
promised  to  the  brother  of  iMelampus,  but  had  afterward  refused  her. 
(Jowper. 

®  AafTTrXi/nc,  ^cerTrXi/r/c  rig  ou(ja,  d  tan  dvaTTcXaarog.  Schol.  Ambros. 
Cf.  Etym.  M.  F.  55,  A.  Schol.  on  Thcocrit.  ii.  14.  Alberti  on  liesych. 
t.  i.  p.  891,  sq. 

Sec  xi.  32G,  sqq,  Eriphylo  is  meant. 


2()3— 297.] 


ODYSSEY.  XV. 


209 


truly  who  am  inquiring  of  thee,  nor  conceal  it.  Who  art 
thou'?  from  whence  art  thou  among  men'?  Where  are  thy 
city,  and  thy  parents  ?” 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn :  “  There¬ 
fore  I  will  tell  thee  very  accurately,  O  stranger.  I  am  from 
Ithaca  by  race,  and  my  father  is  Ulysses,  if  he  ever  w'as 
alive  but  now-  he  has  perished  by  a  miserable  death. 
Therefore  now  taking  companions  and  a  black  ship,  1  have 
come  to  inquire  after  my  long-absent  sire.” 

But  him  godlike  Theoclymenus  addressed  in  turn:  “So 
also  am  I  indeed  aw'ay  from  my  country,  having  slain  a 
kindred  man :  but  he  had  many  brothers  and  friends  in 
horse-pasturing  Argos,  and  the  Grecians  have  great  power. 
Avoiding  death  and  black  fate  at  their  hands,  1  fly  ;  since  it 
is  now  destiny  for  me  to  wander  among  men.  But  put  me 
on  board'  thy  ship,  since  flying  I  have  besought  thee,  lest 
they  should  slay  me:  for  I  think  that  they  arc  pursuing.” 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn  :  “  1  will 
not  certainly  reject  thee  from  my  equal  ship,  if  thou  art  de¬ 
sirous  [of  going] ;  but  follow,  and  there  thou  shalt  be  enter¬ 
tained  Avith  such  things  as  we  have.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  received  from  him  his  brazen  spear, 
and  extended  it  on  the  deck  of  the  ship  roAved  on  both  sides : 
and  he  himself  embarked  in  the  sea-traversing  ship.  And 
then  he  sat  doAvn  in  the  stern  ;  and  he  seated  Theoclymenus 
near  himself:  and  they  (the  sailors)  loosed  tlie  liaAvsers.  And 
Telemachus  exhorting  his  companions,  bade  them  make  ready 
the  tackle ;  and  they  eagerly  obeyed.  And  raising  the  pine 
mast,  they  placed  it  Avithin  the  holloAV  mast  hole,  and  bound 
it  down  Avith  cables  ;  and  they  hoisted  the  Avhite  sails  Avith 
Avell-tAvisted  bull-hides.  And  to  them  blue-eyed  MinerA’a  sent 
a  fuA’orablc  gale,  bloAving  sharply  upon  them  through  the  air, 

I  that  the  ship  running  along  might  A’ery  quickly  make  itFi 
!  Avay  over  the  briny  Avater  of  the  sea.  [And  they  came  to 
Crouni,  and  to  fair-streamed  Chalcis.]’^  But  the  sun  set,  and 
all  the  Avays  Avere  overshadowed.  And  it  reached  I’hera?,’^ 
driA’cn  on  by  a  favorable  gale  from  Jove ;  and  to  divine  Elis, 

“  An  exclamation  cf  grief.  Sec  Locwc. 

See  Loewe. 

rro])erly,  “took  a  right  aim  so  as  to  hit  Phercc.”  Cf.  Porphyr. 
Quaist.  Horn.  i. 


I 


210 


ODYSSEY.  XV. 


[297— 33G. 


where  the  Epeans  rule.  From  thence  lie  sent  it  on  to  the 
swift^^  islands,  meditating  whether  he  should  escape  death  or 
be  taken. 

In  the  mean  time  Ulysses  and  the  divine  swine-herd  were 
feasting  in  the  tent:  and  near  them  the  other  men  feasted. 
Eut  when  they  had  taken  away  the  desire  of  eating  and  drink¬ 
ing,  Ulysses  addressed  them,  trying  the  swine-herd,  whether 
he  would  still  kindly  entertain  him,  and  desire  him  to  remain 
there  in  the  stall,  or  would  incite  him  to  go  to  the  city: 

“  PIcar  me  now,  O  Eumoeus,  and  ye  all  the  rest  of  his  com¬ 
panions,  at  dawn  I  desire  to  go  to  the  city,  in  order  to  beg, 
that  I  may  not  waste  away  thee  and  thy  companions.  But 
suggest  to  me  well,  and  also  give  me  a  good  guide,  who  in¬ 
deed  may  lead  me  thither :  but  I  myself  will  wander  through 
the  city  by  necessity,  [to  see]  if  any  one  will  give  me  a  small 
measure  of  wine,  and  a  meal-cake.  And  coming  to  the  house 
of  divine  Ulysses,  I  would  fain  tell  the  news  to  prudent  Pen¬ 
elope :  and  I  would  be  mixed  with  the  overbearing  suitors, 
[to  see]  if  they  will  give  me  a  meal,  since  they  have  countless 
dainties.  Quickly  would  I  well  perform  among  them,  what¬ 
ever  they  ished.  P''or  I  will  tell  thee,  but  do  thou  under¬ 
stand  and  listen  to  me,  by  the  will  of  the  messenger  IMeicury, 
who  indeed  awards  grace  and  renown  to  the  works  of  all 
men,  in  serving  no  other  mortal  would  contend  with  me,  both 
to  keep  up  a  fire  well,  and  to  cleave  dry  fagots,  and  to  carve, 
and  roast,  and  pour  out  wine,  such  things  as  inferiors  are 
wont  to  do  for  the  good.” 

But  him  thou,  O  swine-herd  Eumajus,  didst  address  in  great 
sorrow :  ‘‘Ah  me  !  stranger,  why  has  tliis  thought  been  in  thy 
mind  ?  certainly  thou  altogether  dcsirest  to  perisli  there,  if  thou 
art  willing  to  enter  the  crowd  of  suitors,  wltose  insolence  and 
violence  reaches  to  the  steely  heaven.  There  are  not  such  at¬ 
tendants  for  them,  but  [there  are]  young  men,  clothed  well  in 
cloaks  and  tunics,  and  always  shining  as  to  their  heads  and 
beautiful  faces,  who  attend  upon  them  :  and  the  well-polished 
tables  arc  heavily  laden  with  bread  and  meat,  and  wine.  But 
stay  here ;  for  no  one  is  hurt  by  thee  being  present,  neither  I, 
nor  any  other  of  my  companions,  whom  1  have.  But  when 

i.  e.  rapidly  vanishing:  from  the  sight.  Cf.  Virg.  JEn.  iii.  72,  “  tcr- 
raeqiie  tirhesqae  recedunt,”  270,  sq.  ;  Lncret.  iv.  388,  sqip  •  Valer.  Flacc- 
ii.  8;  Siliu?,  iii.  loG;  Kutil.  Itin.  i.  223. 


S:56-373.] 


ODYSSEY.  XV. 


211 


the  dear  son  of  Ulysses  comes,  he  will  put  on  thee  a  cloak 
and  tunic  as  garments,  and  will  send  thee  wherever  thy  heart 
and  mind  bids  thee.” 

But  him  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  then  answered  : 

Mayest  thou  be  as  dear  to  the  father  Jove,  O  Eumseus,  as 
[thou  art]  to  me,  because  thou  hast  made  me  cease  from  my 
wanderino;  and  grievous  toil :  for  there  is  nothing  else  wmrsc 
for  mortals  than  wandering.  But  on  account  of  tlieir  perni¬ 
cious  belly  men  possess  evil  cares,  upon  whom  wandering  and 
calamity  and  grief  come.  But  now,  since  thou  detainest  me, 
and  commandest  me  to  wait  for  him,  come,  tell  me  about  the 
mother  of  divine  Ulysses,  and  his  sire,  whom  when  he  set 
out  he  left  upon  the  threshold  of  old  age,  if  they  are  by  chance 
still  alive  under  the  beams  of  the  sun,  or  are  now  dead,  and 
in  the  houses  of  Pluto.” 

But  him  the  swine-herd,  chief  of  men,  addressed  in  turn  : 
“Therefore  I  will  tell  thee  very  truly,  O  stranger:  Laertes 
is  still  alive,  but  is«  forever  praying  to  Jove,  that  his  life  may 
perish  from  his  limbs  in  his  own  palace  :  for  ho  is  violently 
grieved  for  his  absent  son,  and  his  skillful  virgin  wife,  who 
most  of  all  grieved  him  when  she  died,  and  placed  him  in  an 
immature  old  age.  But  she,  through  sorrow  for  her  renown- 
ed  son,  perished  by  a  miserable  death  so  may  not  any  one 
die,  whoever  dwelling  here  is  a  friend  to  me,  and  does  friend¬ 
ly  acts.  While  indeed  then  she  was  alive,  although  grieving, 
so  long  was  it  dear  to  me  to  inquire  and  ask  her,  because  she 
herself  nurtured  me  with  long-robed  Ctimena,  her  illustrious 
daughter,  whom  she  bore  youngest  of  her  children  :  with  her 
I  was  brought  up,  and  she  honored  me  but  little  less.  But 
when  we  both  reached  much  desirable  youth,  they  immedi¬ 
ately  sent  her  to  Samos,  and  received  large  [doweries].  But 
me  she  sent  to  the  country,  having  clad  me  in  a  cloak  and 
tunic,  very  beautiful  garments,  and  having  given  me  sandals 
for  my  feet ;  but  she  loved  mo  in  her  heart  still  more.  But 
now  I  am  in  want  of  these  things ;  yet  the  blessed  gods  in¬ 
crease  for  me  the  work,  in  which  I  abide ;  from  these  things 
I  have  eaten  and  drunk,  and  have  given  to  objects  of  pity.‘® 
But  from  my  mistress  1  can  not  hear  any  soothing  word. 

She  either  died  of  a  broken  heart,  or  hung  herself.  See  Eustatliiiis. 

Venerable,  because  objects  of  a  regard  almost  amounting  to  super¬ 
stition,  as  being  the.  necessary  objects  of  hospitality. 


212 


ODYSSEY.  XV 


[374—410. 


or  [experience] any  deed  [of  kindness]  ,  since  evil  lias  fallen 
upon  the  house,  overbearing  men  ;  and  the  servants  greatly 
desire  to  speak  before  tlieir  mistress,  and  to  inquire  every 
thing :  and  to  eat  and  drink  ;  and  then  to  cany  something 
into  the  country,  such  things  as  ever  delight  the  mind  ot 
servants.” 

But  him  much-counseling  Ulysses  answering  addressed-. 

Alas  !  how  when  thou  wast  little,  O  swine-herd  Eumceus, 
didst  thou  wander  far  from  thy  country  and  parents.  But 
come,  tell  me  this,  and  relate  it  truly,  whether  was  the  wide- 
wayed  city  of  men  plundered,  in  which  thy  father  and  vener¬ 
able  mother  dwelt ;  or  did  hostile  men  take  thee  in  ships,  when 
left  alone  with  sheep  or  oxen,  and  transport  thee  to  the  house 
of  this  man,  and  did  he  give  a  fit  price  [for  thee]'?” 

But  him  the  swine-herd,  chief  of  men,  addressed  in  turn  : 
“  O  stranger,  since  thou  askest  of  mo  and  inquirest  these 
things,  now  attend  in  silence,  and  delight  thyself,  and  sitting 
down,  quaff  wine;  but  these  nights  are  exceedingly  long; 
it  is  in  our  power  to  sleep,  and  it  is  in  our  power  to  listen 
delighted  :  nor  is  it  fit  that  thou  shouldst  go  to  rest  before 
the  time ;  even  much  sleep  is  a  pain.  But  whomsoever  of 
the  others  his  heart  and  mind  commands,  let  him  sleep,  hav¬ 
ing  gone  away:  but  together  with  the  shining  morn  having 
made  his  meal,  let  him  attend  upon  my  master’s  swine.  But 
let  us  drinking  and  feasting  in  the  tent,  be  delighted,  recall¬ 
ing  to  mind  the  grievous  cares  of  one  another:  for  after  a 
time  a  man  is  delighted  even  with  griefs,  Avhosoever  has 
suffered  very  many  things  and  has  wandered  much.  But 
I  will  tell  thee  this  which  thou  askest  and  inquirest  of  me. 
There  is  a  certain  island  called  Syria  (if  thou  by  chance  hast 
heard  of  it)  beyond  Ortygia,  where  are  the  dials'®  of  the  sun. 
It  is  not  so  very  large;  but  it  is  excellent,  fit  for  pasture, 
rich  in  sheep,  full  of  wine,  abounding  in  wheat ;  and  liunger 
never  comes  upon  the  people,  nor  is  there  any  other  hateful 
disease  upon  wretched  mortals;  but  when  the  tribes  of  men 
grow  old  in  the  city,  silver-bowed  Apollo,  coming  'with  Diana, 
attacking  them  with  his  mild  weapons,  slays  them.  There 
Observe  the  zeugma  in  uKoveraL. 

•  This  is  the  meaning,  according  to  iNIenage  on  Diog.  Laert.  i.  fol¬ 
lowed  by  Loewe,  and  Palmer  on  Hesych.  v.  ’Oprvyh]  ytXioio,  t.  ii.  p.  71)0. 
Bat  Mr.  Burges  suggests  tliat  it  rather  denotes  “the  point  where  the  sun 
begins  to  set,”  from  llesyeh.  1.  c. 


411—441).] 


ODYSSEY.  XV. 


213 


are  two  cities,  and  all  things  are  divided  two-fold;  but  my 
father  Ctesius  Ormenides,  like  unto  the  immortals,  reigned 
over  both  of  them. 

“But  there  Phoenicians  came,  men  illustrious  by  sea,  cun¬ 
ning  fellows  bringing  numberless  trinkets  in  their  black  ship.^^ 
Now  there  was  a  Phoenician  woman  in  the  house  of  ray  sire, 
beautiful,  and  laige,  and  skilled  in  illustrious  weaving  works. 
Her  then  the  crafty  Phoenician  seduced ;  some  one  first  min¬ 
gled  with  her  as  she  was  washing,  near  the  hollow  ship,  in 
the  couch  and  in  love  ;  which  things  seduce  the  minds  of  wo¬ 
men,  although  one  should  happen  to  be  a  good  work-woman. 
Then  indeed  he  asked  her,  who  she  was,  and  whence  she  came; 
and  she  immediately  mentioned  the  lofty-roofed  house  of  her 
father :  ‘  I  boast  to  be  from  brass-abounding  Sidon,  and  I  am 
the  daughter  of  with  wealth  flowing  Arybas ;  but  the  Taphi- 
ans,  men  given  to  robbery,  snatched  me  away  as  I  was  return¬ 
ing  from  the  fields  ;  and  taking  me  away,  they  transported  me 
for  sale  to  the  house  of  this  man  ;  but  he  gave  a  fit  price  [for 
me].’  But  her  the  man,  who  mingled  with  her  secretly,  again 
addressed  :  ‘  Wouldst  thou  now  again  come  home  together  with 
us,  that  thou  mayest  behold  the  lofty-roofed  house  of  thy  fa¬ 
ther  and  mother,  a‘nd  them  too  themselves?  for  they  are  still 
alive,  and  are  called  opulent.’  But  him  the  woman  again  ad¬ 
dressed  and  answered  in  discourse.  ‘This  might  be,  if  ye  at 
least  were  willing,  O  sailors,  to  be  pledged  with  an  oath,  that 
ye  will  take  me  home  unharmed.’  Thus  she  spoke,  but  they 
all  swore  as  she  commanded.  But  when  they  had  sworn  and 
completed  the  oath,  the  woman  again  addressed  and  answered 
them  in  discourse:  ‘Now  be  silent;  let  not  any  one  of  your 
companions  speak  to  me  with  words,  when  he  meets  me,  either 
in  the  road,  or  by  chance  at  the  fountain  ;  for  fear  some  one 
coming  to  the  house,  should  tell  the  old  man  :  but  he,  suspect¬ 
ing  me,  should  bind  me  with  a  difficult  bond,  and  should  plan 
destruction  for  you.  15ut  keep  your  words  in  your  breast,  and 
hasten  the  purchase  of  j)rovisions.  But  when  indeed  the  ship 
is  now  full  of  means  of  livelihood,  then  let  a  message  come 
quickly  to  me  to  the  house  ;  for  I  will  bring  both  gold,  what¬ 
ever  comes  under  my  hand,  and  I  would  also  willingly  give 
other  things,  as  payment  for  my  })assage :  for  I  nurse  the  son 


Cf.  Ileiodot.  i.  2,  wliere  he  gives  a  similar  account  respecting  lo 


214 


ODYSSEY.  XV. 


[450—490. 


o^the  excellent  man  in  the  palace,  a  very  cunning  child,  that 
can  run  with  one  out  of  doors ;  him  I  would  take  on  board 
ship  ;  and  he  would  gain  a  large  price  for  you,  wheresoever  ye 
may  transport  him  [for  sale]  to  foreign  men.’ 

“Thus  having  spoken,  she  departed  to  the  beautiful  house: 
but  they,  remaining  there  among  us  for  a  whole  year,  pur¬ 
chased  much  substance  in  their  hollow  ship :  but  wdien  the 
hollow  ship  was  now  laden-^^  for  them  to  return,  then  they 
sent  a  messenger,  to  tell  the  woman  ;  a  very  skillful  man  came 
to  the  house  of  my  sire,  having  a  golden  necklace,  and  it  was 
set  in  amber :  the  handmaidens  and  my  venerable  mother 
turned  it  round  and  round  with  their  hands  in  the  palace,  and 
beheld  it  with  their  eyes  ;  promising  a  price  [for  it] :  but  he 
made  the  sign  to  her  in  silence.  Tie  however,  having  made 
the  sign,  went  to  the  hollow  ship;  but  she,  laying  hold  of  me 
by  the  liand,  led  me  out  of  doors  from  the  house :  and  she 
found  in  the  pc^^dico  both  the  cups,  and  the  tables  of  the  men 
who  had  been  feasting,  who  attended  upon  my  sire :  they  in¬ 
deed  had  gone  out  to  the  session,  and  to  the  assembly  of  the 
people:  and  she  quickly  concealing  three  bowls  under  her  bo¬ 
som,  carried  them  out;  and  I  followed  through  my  thought¬ 
lessness  ;  and  the  sun  set,  and  all  the  ways*  were  overshadow¬ 
ed.  And  we  going  swiftly  reached  the  renowned  haven  ;  there 
was  the  fast-sailing  ship  of  the  Phoenicians.  They  then  em¬ 
barking  sailed  over  the  moist  ways,  having  put  us  on  board  ; 
and  Jove  sent  a  favorable  gale.  For  six  days  we  continually 
sailed  both  nights  and  day  ;  but  when  Jove,  the  son  of  Saturn, 
brought  on  tlie  seventh  day,  then  shaft-rejoicing  l^iana  struck 
the  woman  ;  and  she  resounded  as  she  fell  in  the  hold,  like  a 
sea-gull :  and  they  thi*ew  her  out  to  become  a  prey  to  sea' 
calves,  and  iishes  ;  but  1  was  left  sorrowing  at  heart.  And 
the  wind  and  the  water  carrying  them  along  made  them  ap¬ 
proach  Itliaca  ;  there  Laertes  purchased  me  with  his  posses¬ 
sions.  Thus  I  beheld  this  land  with  my  eyes.” 

But  him  Jove-born  Ulysses  answered  in  discourse :  “  O 
Kuma3us,  very  much  hast  thou  moved  my  mind  in  my  breast, 
relating  each  of  these  things,  how  many  griefs  thou  hast  suf¬ 
fered  in  thy  mind.  But  however  Jove  has  given  good  unto 
thee  even  with  misfortune,  since  having  toiled  much  thou  hast 
come  to  the  house  of  a  mild  man,  who  liberally  affords  thee 

Sec  Buttniaiin,  Lexil.  ]>.  4G5. 


401—530.] 


ODYSSEY.  XV. 


215 


meat  and  drink;  and  thou  livest  a  good  life:  hut  I  come 
here,  having  wandered  over  many  cities  of  mortals.” 

Thus  they  spoke  to  one  another ;  but  they  slept  for  no 
long  time,  but  for  a  very  little  while;  for  beautiful-throned 
Morn  soon  came.  But  upon  the  shore  the  companions  ofTe- 
lemachus  loosed  the  sails,  and  cjuickly  took  down  the  mast, 
and  drew  it  on  to  the  port  with  their  oars.  And  they  threw 
out  the  anchors,  and  bound  down  the  hawsers.  And  they 
themselves  went  out  upon  the  beach  of  the  sea,  and  got  rtady 
a  meal,  and  mixed  the  dark  wine.  But  when  they  had  taken 
away  the  desire  of  drinking  and  eating,  to  them  prudent  Te- 
lemachus  began  discourse  : 

‘‘  Do  ye  indeed  now  drive  the  black  ship  to  the  city,  but 
I  will  go  to  the  country  and  to  [my]  shepherds;  but  in  the 
evening,  liaving  seen  my  fields,  I  will  go  to  the  city :  and  in 
the  morning  I  will  give  you  wages  for  your  journey,  an  ex¬ 
cellent  feast  of  flesh  and  sw'eet-drinking  Avine.”., 

But  him  godlike  Theoclymenus  addressed  in  turn  :  “  Where 
shall  I  go,  my  dear  son?  to  the  house  of  Avhom  of  the  men, 
who  rule  over  rugged  Ithaca,  shall  I  come  ?  Should  I  go  di¬ 
rect  to  thy  mother’s  and  thine  house  ?” 

And  him  prudent  Teleraachus  ansAvered  in  turn  :  “  Other- 
Avise  I  should  desire  thee  to  go  to  our  house  ;  for  there  Avould 
be  no  lacking  of  hospitable  entertainment;  but  it  is  Avorse  for 
thee  [to  do  so] :  since  I  shall  be  absent,  nor  Avill  my  mother 
see  tliee  ;  for  she  does  not  by  any  means  appear  frequently  to 
the  suitors  in  the  house,  but  aAvay  from  them  Aveaves  a  Aveb 
in  the  upper  room.  But  I  mention  to  you  another  man,  to 
Avhom  thou  mayest  come,  Eurymachus,  the  noble  son  of  Avise 
Bolybus,  Avhom  the  Ithacans  noAv  regard  equally  as  a  god. 
For  lie  is  by  far  the  best  man,  and  is  especially  desirous  to 
marry  my  motlier,  and  to  obtain  the  honor  due  to  Ulysses. 
But  Olympian  Jove,  Avho  dAA'ells  in  the  sky,  knoAvs  this,  if 
their  evil  day  Avill  end  before  marriage.” 

While  he  spoke  thus,  a  bird  flew  on  his  right  hand,  a  haAvk, 
the  SAvift  messenger  of  Apollo ;  and  in  its  feet  it  tore  a  dove, 
holding  it,  and  poured  the  feathers  doAvn  on  the  ground,  be¬ 
tween  the  ship  and  Telemachus  himself  But  Theoclymenus, 
calling  him  apart  from  his  companions,  took  hold  of  him  by 
the  hand,  and  sjioke  and  addressed  him  : 

“O  Telemachus,  this  bird  did  not  fly  on  thy  right  band 


216 


ODYSSEY.  XV. 


[531 — 55G. 


without  [the  design  of]  the  deity ;  for  when  I  saw  it  before 
me,  I  perceived  that  it  was  an  omen.  There  is  no  other 
family  more  kingly  than  thine  among  the  people  of  Ithaca, 
but  ye  are  always  powerful.” 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn  :  ‘‘I  wish 
this  word  may  be  brought  to  pass,  O  stranger :  then  thou 
wouldst  quickly  experience  my  friendship,  and  many  gifts  from 
me,  so  that  any  one  who  met  thee  would  give  thee  joy.” 

He  spoke,  and  addressed  Pirreus  his  laithful  companion  : 
“  O  Ihi’geus,  son  of  Clytius,  since  thou  even  in  other  things 
dost  obey  me  most  of  my  companions, 'who  attended  me  to 
Pylos ;  now  also,  taking  the  stranger  to  thy  house,  entertain 
him  carefully,  and  honor  him  until  I  come.” 

But  him  spear-renowned  Piraeus  answered  in  turn.:  “  O 
Telemachus,  although  thou  remain  here  for  a  long  time,  I  will 
take  care  of  this  man,  and  there  shall  be  no  lack  of  hospitable 
entertainment  for  him.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  went  on  board  the  ship,  and  he 
ordered  Ids  companions  both  themselves  to  embark,  and  to 
loose  the  hawsers.  But  they  quickly  went  on  board,  and  sat 
down  on  the  benches.  But  Telemachus  bound  beautiful  san¬ 
dals  under  his  feet,  and  took  a  strong  spear,  tipped  with  sharp 
brass,  from  the  deck  of  the  shi]) :  and  they  loosed  the  hawsers. 
They  having  thrust  out  sailed  to  the  city,  as  Telemachus, 
the  dear  son  of  divine  Ulysses,  desired  them.  But  his  feet 
carried  him  on  quickly  advancing,  until  he  came  to  the  abode, 
where  were  his  numberless  swine,  among  which  the  swine¬ 
herd,  excellent  as  he  was,  slept,  having  kind  feelings  toward 
his  masters. 


1—27.] 


ODYSSEY.  XVI. 


2^17 


BOOK  XVI. 

ARGUMENT. 

Telemachus,  having  been  kindly  received  by  Eumieus,  converses  with 
his  father,  without  recognizing  him,  and  sends  Eumteus  to  the  city,  to 
bear  the  news  of  his  return  to  Penelope.  Minerva  in  the  mean  time 
restores  Ulysses  to  his  former  appearance,  and  he  makes  himself  known 
to  his  son.  The  suitors,  who  had  lain  in  ambush  for  Telemachus,  re¬ 
turn  to  Ithaca,  and  meditate  fresh  plots,  for  which  Antinous  is  rebuked 
by  Penelope.  Eumaeus  returns  at  night  to  Telemachus  and  Ulysses. 

They  in  the  mean  time,  Ulysses  and  the  divine  swine-herd, 
were  preparing  their  meal  in  the  lodge  together  with  the 
dawn,  having  lit  a  fire,  and  they  sent  out  the  herdsmen  with 
the  field-pasturing  swine.  But  the  barking  dogs  fawned  about 
Telemachus,  nor  did  they  bark  at  him  as  he  approached:  but 
divine  Ulysses  perceived  the  dogs  fawning,  and  the  sound  of 
feet  came  about  him :  and  he  quickly  addressed  to  Eumoeus 
winged  words : 

“  O  Eumaeus,  certainly  some  companion  of  thine  will  come 
hither,  or  some  one  else,  who  is  known  :  since  the  dogs  do  not 
bark,  but  fawn  around  him :  and  I  hear  somewhat  the  noise 
of  feet.” 

Scarcely  had  he  finished  speaking,  when  his  dear  son  stood 
in  the  portico  :  and  tlie  swine-herd  rushed  up  astonished  ;  and 
the  vessels,  with  which  he  was  busied,  mixing  the  dark  wine, 
fell  from  his  hands.  And  he  came  to  meet  the  king ;  and  he 
kissed  his^  head,  and  both  hjs  beautiful  eyes,  and  both  his 
hands :  and  the  warm  tear  fell  from  liim.  And  as  a  father 
being  kindly  disposed  embraces  his  son,  when  he  comes  from 
a  foreign  land  in  tlie  tenth  year,  his  ovdy  one,  born  to  him  in 
his  old  age,^  for  whom  he  has  toiled  tlirough  many  griefs ;  so 
then  the  divine  swine-herd  clinging  to  godlike  Telemaclius, 
kissed  him  all  over,  as  having  escaped  from  death :  and  then 
lamenting  he  spoke  winged  words : 

“  Tliou  art  come,  O  Telemachus,  my  sweet  light ;  I  said 
that  I  should  not  behold  thee  again,  when  thou  wentest  in  a 
sliip  to  Pylos :  but  come  now,  my  dear  child,  enter,  tliat  I 
may  be  delighted  in  my  mind,  beholding  thee  within,  who  art 
lately  come  from  elsewhere :  for  thou  dost  not  frequently 

*  Observe  the  force  of  vtto. 

'  And  thence,  “tenderly  beloved.”  Cf.  Puttin.  Lexil.  p.  512. 

K 


218 


ODYSSEY.  XVI. 


[28—59. 


come  to  the  country,  or  the  herdsmen,  but  thou  dwellest 
among  the  people ;  for  so  it  pleased  thy  mind,  to  be  a  wib 
ness  of  the  destructive^  crowd  of  suitors.” 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn :  “  Thus 
shall  it  be,  my  friend ;  but  I  come  hither  on  account  of  thee, 
that  I  may  behold  thee  with  mine  eyes,  and  may  hear  thy 
account  whether  my  mother  still  remains  in  the  palace,  or 
whether  some  other  man  has  now  wedded  her ;  and  the  bed 
of  Ulysses  through  lack  of  furniture  lies  somewhere  possess¬ 
ing  foul  cobwebs.”*^ 

But  him  the  swine-herd,  chief  of  men,  addressed  in  turn  : 
“She  by  all  means  remains  in  thy  palace,  with  a  patient 
mind :  and  by  her  weeping  all  her  wretched  nights  and  days 
waste  away.”^ 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  received  his  brazen  spear;  and  he 
went  within,  and  passed  over  the  stone  threshold.  And  to 
him  approaching  his  father  Ulysses  gave  way  from  his  seat : 
but  Telemachus  on  the  otlier  side  forbade  him,  and  said  :  “  Sit 
down,  O  stranger ;  and  we  shall  find  a  seat  elsewhere  in  our 
stall ;  and  the  man  is  near  who  will  place  it  [for  mel.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  he  going  immediately  sat  down  :  and 
the  swine-herd  spread  green  twigs  under  for  him,  and  a  fleece 
above;  there  then  the  dear  son  of  Ulysses  sat  down.  And 
near  them  the  swine-herd  placed  dishes  of  roasted  flesh,  which 
they  eating  had  left  on  the  day  before  ;  and  he  hastily  heaped 
up  bread  in  baskets,  and  mixed  sweet  wine  in  an  ivy  cup: 
and  himself  sat  opposite  divine  Ulysses.  And  they  stretched 
forth  their  hands  to  the  food  lying  ready  before  them.  But 
when  they  had  taken  away  the  desire  of  drinking  and  eating, 
then  Telemachus  addressed  the  divine  swine-lierd : 

“  ]\Iy  friend,  whence  has  this  stranger  come'?  how  did  sail¬ 
ors  bring  him  to  Ithaca?  whom  did  they  boast  to  be?  for  I 
do  not  at  all  think  that  he  came  hither  on  foot.” 

^  On  cn^i]\oQ  sec  Buttm.  Lcxil.  p.  51,  sqq. 

Cf.  Propert.  iii.  0,  33,  “I’atris  et  in  vacuo  texetur  aranea  lecto.” 
In  inteiq'ireting  ivtvvaiujv ,  I  follow  the  second  explanation  of  the  Scho¬ 
liast,  TU)v  TTipijioXa'nov.  So  Pollux,  x.  27,  tu  ptv  (TTpiopcira  Kai  tTrt/IX//- 
para — kuI  to  Trap’  'Op))p(p  \p,dTiov  'ivtovalov,  and  Ilesych.  v.  'tvtu- 
vaiiov. 

^  Cf.  Ovid,  E]).  i.  7,  “Non  ego  deserto  jacuissem  frigida  lecto;  Nec 
quererer  tardos  ire  relicta  dies :  Nec  inilii,  (puvrenti  spatiosam  fallere 
uoctcin,  Lassaret  viduas  jiendula  tela  inanus.” 


60—99.] 


ODYSSEY.  XVI. 


219 


But  him  thou  didst  thus  address  in  answer,  O  swine-herd 
Eumasus :  “  Therefore  I  will  tell  thee  all  things  truly,  child. 
He  boasts  his  race  [to  be]  from  wide  Crete,  and  he  says  that 
wandering  lie  has  been  tossed  about  to  many  cities  of  mortals  ; 
for  so  for  him  the  deity  destined  these  things.  He  has  now 
at  length  come  to  iny  stall,  having  escaped  from  a  ship  of  the 
Thesprotians :  but  I  will  give  him  in  charge  to  thee :  do  as 
thou  desirest;  he  professes  himself  to  be  thy  suppliant.” 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn:  “O  Eu- 
imeus,  truly  thou  hast  sjioken  this  word  very  grievous  to  my 
mind :  for  how  shall  I  receive  the  stranger  in  my  house  ?  I 
myself  am  young,  and  I  do  not  yet  trust  in  my  hands  to  ward 
off  a  man,  when  any  one  is  first  wroth  with  me ;  and  my 
mother’s  mind  is  meditating  in  doubt  in  her  breast,  whether  ’ 
she  should  remain  here  with  me,  and  should  take  care  of  the 
house,  reverencing  the  bed  of  her  husband,  and  the  voice  of 
the  people,  or  should  now  accompany  him  of  the  Grecians, 
whatever  most  excellent  man  woos  her  in  the  palace,  and  of¬ 
fers  her  most  [gifts].  ]]ut  as  to  the  stranger,  since  he  has 
come  to  thy  house,  1  will  put  on  him  a  cloak  and  tunic,  beau¬ 
tiful  garments ;  and  I  will  give  to  him  a  double-edged  sword, 
and  sandals  for  his  feet,  and  I  will  eend  him  wdiercver  his 
heart  and  mind  commands  him.  But  if  thou  desirest  it,  take 
care  of  him,  detaining  him  in  thy  stalls:  and  I  will  send  hith¬ 
er  garments,  and  all  his  food  to  eat,  that  he  may  not  w^aste 
aw'ay  thee  and  thy  companions.  But  I  wdll  not  suffer  him  to 
go  there  among  the  suitors ;  for  they  possess  too  infituate  in¬ 
solence,  lest  they  scoff  at  him,  and  there  will  be  grievous  sor¬ 
row  for  me.  But  it  is  difficult  for  one  man  to  do  any  thing 
among  many,  although  [he  be]  mighty ;  since  they  are  much 
superior.” 

But  him  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  addressed  in  turn : 

“  O  my  friend,  since  indeed  it  is  lawful  for  me  to  answ'er, 
ye  much  gall  my  heart,  in  truth,  wdien  I  hear  what  shameful 
things  you  say  the  suitors  devise  in  the  palace,  against  the 
will  of  thee  who  art  such  an  one.  Tell  me,  whether  thou  art 
willingly  subdued,  or  do  the  people,  following  the  voice  of  a 
deity,  hate  thee  publicly :  or  dost  thou  find  any  fault  with 
[the  conduct  of]  brothers,^'  in  whom,  fighting,  a  man  is  wont, 
to  trust,  even  if  a  mighty  contest  should  arise.  For  wmukr 

See  Eustathius. 


6 


220 


ODYSSEY.  XVI. 


[99—141. 


that  I  were  so  young  in  this  mind,  or  the  son  of  blameless 
Ulysses,  or  even  himself  [should  come  wandering,  for  there  is 
still  some  chance  of  hope],  immediately  then  another  man 
might  cut  olf  my  head,  if  1  became  not  an  evil  to  all  of  them, 
having  come  to  the  palace  of  Ulysses,  the  son  of  Laertes. 
But  if  on  the  contrary  they  should  witli  numbers  overcome 
me  who  am  alone,  I  should  wish  to  die  slain  in  mine  own  pal¬ 
ace,  rather  than  always  behold  these  unseemly  deeds,  stran¬ 
gers  harshly  insulted,^  and  [men]  dragging  women  servants  in 
an  unseemly  way  through  the  beautiful  house  :  and  wine  drawn 
off,  and  [the  suitors]  eating  bread  uselessly,  to  no  purpose, 
without  an  end,  for  a  work  that  will  never  be  accomplished.” 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn :  “  There¬ 
fore,  O  stranger,  I  will  tell  tliee  very  truly ;  neither  are  all 
the  people  wroth  with  me,  hating  me,  nor  do  I  find  fault  with 
brothers,  in  Avhom  fighting  a  man  is  wont  to  trust,  even  if  a 
mighty  conquest  should  arise.  For  thus  has  the  son  of  Saturn 
made  our  race  single ;  Arccsius  begot  an  only  son,  Laertes, 
his  father  again  begot  Ulysses  alone ;  but  Ulysses  having  be¬ 
gotten  me  alone,  left  me  in  the  palace,  nor  did  ho  have  any 
joy  from  me  :  therefore  there  are  numberless  enemies  in  our 
house.  For  as  many  chieftains  as  rule  over  the  islands,  Du-' 
lichium,  and  Samos,  and  woody  Zacynthus,  and  as  many  as 
rule  over  rugged  Ithaca,  so  many  woo  my  mother,  and  waste 
our  household.  But  she  does  not  refuse  the  hateful  marriage, 
nor  can  she  bring  it  to  a  conclusion  :  but  they  waste  away  my 
property,  consuming  it ;  and  they  will  soon  destroy  mo  also 
myself.  But  however  these  things  lie  at  the  knees  of  the  gods. 
O  father,  do  thou  go  quickly,  tell  to  jnaidcnt  Penelope,  that  I 
am  safe,  and  have  come  from  Pylos.  But  I  will  remain  here : 
and  do  thou  return  hither,  liaving  told  it  to  her  alone  ;  let  not 
any  one  of  the  other  Grecians  hear  it :  for  many  devise  evils 
against  me.” 

But  him  thou  didst  address  in  answer,  O  swine-lierd  Eu- 
mmus :  “1  know  it ;  I  perceive  it;  thou  speakest  to  one  who 
understands.  But  come,  tell  me  this,  and  relate  it  truly, 
shall  1  go  a  messenger  on  this  same  journey  to  unhappy 
Laertes,  who  hitherto  greatly  grieving  for  Ulysses,  used  to 
oversee  the  works,  and  drank  and  ate  with  tlie  servants  in 
tlie  house,  when  the  mind  in  his  breast  commanded  him :  but 
’  llesycli.  (TTv<p(XiZofuvovgf  aKXrjpdg  vj^pi'^of.dvovg. 


142—180.] 


ODYSSEY.  XVI. 


221 


now,  since  thou  hast  gone  in  a  ship  to  Pjlos,  they  say  that  he 
no  longer  eats  and  drinks  any  thing,  nor  looks  over  the  works, 
but  he  sits  lamenting  in  groaning  and  sorrow,  and  his  tiesh 
wastes  away  around  his  bones.” 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn:  “It  is 
rather  sad  ;  but  however  we  will  leave  him  although  sorrow¬ 
ing.  For  if  all  things  wore  by  any  means  to  be  chosen  by 
mortals  themselves,  first  indeed  I  should  choose  the  return  of 
my  father.  But  do  thou,  when  thou  hast  told  thy  news,  come 
back,  nor  do  thou  wander  in  the  country  after  him :  but  tell 
my  mother  to  hasten  the  handmaiden,  her  housekeepei-,  as 
quickly  as  possible,  secretly :  for  she  could  inform  the  old 
man.” 

Pie  spoke,  and  urged  on  tlie  swine-herd:  but  he  took  sandals 
in  his  hands ;  and  having  bound  them  under  his  feet  he  went 
to  the  city ;  nor  did  the  swine-herd  Eunneus,  going  from  the 
stall,  escape  the  notice  of  Minerva :  but  she  came  near  him, 
and  in  her  person  she  was  likened  unto  a  woman  fair  and 
large,  and  skilled  in  renowned  works  of  weaving.  And  she 
stood  at  the  entrance  of  the  lodge,  appearing  to  Ulysses ;  nor 
did  Telemachus  behold  or  perceive  her  (for  the  gods  do  not 
by  any  means  appear  manifest  to  all) ;  but  Ulysses  and  the 
dogs  saw  her  ;  and  they  did  not  bark,  but  with  a  yelping  they 
fled  to  the  other  side  througli  the  stall.  But  she  nodded  with 
her  eyebrows,  and  divine  Ulysses  perceived  her ;  and  he  came 
out  of  the  house,  outside  the  great  wall  of  the  hall,  and  he 
stood  before  her ;  and  him  IVIinerva  [thus]  addressed  : 

“  O  Jove-born  son  of  Laertes,  much-contriving  Ulysses, 
now  tell  it  to  thy  son,  nor  conceal  it,  that  having  planned 
death  and  PAte  for  the  suitors,  thou  mayest  go  to  the  all-il¬ 
lustrious  city :  nor  will  I  myself  be  a  long  time  away  from 
thee,  for  I  am  longing  to  fight.” 

She  spoke,  and  Minerva  struck  him  with  a  golden  rod  :  first 
she  ])laced  a  well-washed  robe  and  tunic  about  his  breast ;  and 
she  increased  his  person  and  youth.  And  he  again  became 
dark-colored,  and  his  cheeks  were  lengthened  out ;  and  dark 
hairs  sprang  up  about  his  chin.  She  indeed  having  done  thus, 
went  away  again ;  but  Ulysses  went  to  the  lodge ;  and  his 
dear  son  was  astonished  at  him.  And  fearing  he  turned  his 
eyes  elsewhere,  lest  it  should  be  a  god ;  and  addressing  him, 
he  spoke  winged  words : 


222 


ODYSSEY.  XVI. 


[181—217. 


“  To  me,  O  stranger,  thou  appearest  just  now  a  diflerent 
man  from  what  thou  wast  before,  thou  hast  other  garments, 
and  thy  complexion  is  no  longer  the  same.  Thou  art  certain¬ 
ly  some  god,  [of  those]  who  possess  the  wide  heaven.  But  be 
propitious,  that  to  thee  we  may  offer  grateful  sacrifices,  and 
wrought  golden  presents :  and  spare  us.” 

But  him  much-enduring  Ulysses  immediately  answered: 
“I  am  no  god:  why  likenest  thou  me  to  the  immortals?  but 
I  am  thy  father,  for  whose  sake,  thou  mourning,  dost  suffer 
many  griefs,  having  endured  the  violence  of  men.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  kissed  his  son,  and  from  his  cheeks 
he  dropped  a  tear  on  the  ground ;  but  before  he  had  restrain¬ 
ed  himself  without  ceasing.  But  Telemachus  (for  he  by  no 
means  believed  that  it  was  his  father),  immediately  answering 
in  words  addressed  him  : 

“Thou  art  not  my  father  Ulysses ;  but  a  deity  cheats  me, 
that  still  more  lamenting  I  may  mourn  :  for  a  mortal  man 
could  not  have  contrived  these  things  by  his  own  mind,  ex¬ 
cept  when  a  god  himself  coming  upon  him  should  easily,  if 
he  wished,  make  him  young  or  old :  for  thou  lately  wast  cer¬ 
tainly  old,  and  wast  clothed  in  unseemly  guise,  but  now  thou 
art  like  unto  the  gods,  who  possess  the  wide  heaven.” 

But  him  much-contriving  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer: 
“  O  Telemachus,  it  is  not  right  that  thou  shouldst  beyond 
measure  marvel  and  be  astonished  at  thy  dear  father  being 
within.  For  no  other  Ulysses  will'any  more  come  here.  But 
I,  who  am  such,  having  suffered  ills,  and  wandered  much,  have 
come  in  the  twentieth  year  to  my  paternal  land.  But  this  is 
the  work  of  the  huntress  Minerva,  who  made  mo  such  an  one, 
as  she  wishes  ; — for  she  has  the  power — at  one  time  like  unto 
a  beggar,  at  another  ngain  like  unto  a  young  man,  and  to  one 
that  has  beautiful  garments  around  his  body.  But  it  is  easy 
for  the  gods,  who  possess  the  wide  heaven,  both  to  exalt  and 
to  debase  a  mortal  man.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  sat  down  ;  but  Telemachus,  throw¬ 
ing  himself  round  his  excellent  father,  wej)t,  shedding  a  tear. 
And  upon  both  of  them  a  desire  of  mourning  arose,  and  they 
wept  shrilly,  more  violently*^  than  eagles,  or  crooked-taloned 
"  "Hures,  from  whom  countrymen  have  taken  their  young, 

®  Sec  Buttm.  Lcxil.  p.  32,  7,  and  p.  35,  5. 


218— 25G.] 


ODYSSEY.  XVI. 


223 


before  they  are  fledged;^  so  they  indeed  shed  a  lamentable 
tear  under  their  eyelids.  And  now,  to  them  weeping,  the 
light  of  the  sun  would  have  set,  had  not  Telemachus  quickly 
addressed  his  father  :  , 

“  In  what  ship,  my  dear  father,  did  sailors  bring  thee  hith¬ 
er  to  Ithaca  ?  whom  do  they  boast  to  be  ?  for  I  do  not  at  all 
think  that  thou  earnest  here  on  foot.” 

But  him  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  addressed  in  turn ; 
“  Therefore  I  will  tell  thee  the  truth,  my  child :  the  ship-re¬ 
nowned  Pha3acians  brought  me,  who  also  escort  other  men, 
whoever  comes  to  them.  And  bringing  me  asleep  in  a  swift 
ship  over  the  sea,  they  placed  me  in  Ithaca ;  and  they  gave 
to  me  splendid  gifts,  brass,  and  gold  in  abundance,  and  woven 
garments.  And  they  lie  in  caves  by  the  will  of  the  gods. 
But  I  am  now  come  hither,  by  the  suggestion  of  Minerva, 
that  we  may  consult  about  the  slaughter  of  our  enemies.  But 
come,  enumerate  the  suitors  to  me,  detail  them,  that  I  may 
know  both  how  many,  and  what  men  they  are :  then  medi¬ 
tating  in  my  blameless  mind,  I  will  consider,  if  indeed  wc 
shall  be  able  to  resist  them  alone  without  others,  or  must 
also  seek  for  others.'’ 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn :  “  O  fa¬ 
ther,  indeed  I  have  always  heard  of  thy  great  glory,  that  thou 
wast  a  warrior  as  to  thine  hands  and  prudent  in  counsel. 
But  thou  hast  spoken  something  very  great,  astonishment  pos¬ 
sesses  me  :  it. would  not  be  possible,  that  two  men  should  con¬ 
tend  with  many  and  strong  men.  There  are  truly  not  ten 
suitors,  nor  twice  ten  only,  but  many  more :  and  you  will 
now  soon  know  the  number.  From  Dulichium  indeed  there 
are  two-and-lifty  chosen  youths,  and  six  servants  follow  them: 
jind  from  Samos  there  are  four-and-twenty  men ;  and  from 
Zacynthus  there  are  twenty  youths  of  the  Grecians  ;  and  from 
Ithaca  itself  twelve,  all  most  excellent :  and  with  them  there 
is  the  herald  Medon,  and  the  divine  bard,  and  two  servants, 
skilled  in  cooking.  If  we  should  meet  with  all  these  within, 
[I  dread]  lest  coming  thou  wouldst  bitterly  and  grievously^^^ 
be  revenged  on  their  violence.  But  do  thou,  if  thou  canst 

®  Cf.  iEsch.  Ag.  47,  rpuTTOv  alyviriCji',  OVr’  tKirarioiQ  dXyiai  na'iSojv 
viraroL  arpotpocivovvTca^  \\Ttpvyu)P  tpirpoXaiv  tpeaaofievoi,  /Xtp- 

viorppr]  TTuvQv  opraXix^pv  oXiaavTtc;. 
i.  e.  to  thy  cost. 


ODYSSEY.  XVI. 


224 


[25G— 295. 


think  of  any  assistant,  mention  him ;  'whoever  would  aid  us 
witli  a  ready  mind.'’ 

But  him  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  addressed  in  turn : 
“  Therefore  I  will  tell  thee ;  and  do  thou  attend,  and  listen 
to  me,  and  consider,  if  Minerva,  with  father  Jove,  will  suffice 
for  us,  or  shall  I  think  of  some  other  assistant  V’ 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn :  “  These 
twain  whom  thou  mentiouest  are  excellent  assistants,  although 
sitting  on  high  in  the  clouds;  they  also  rule  over  other  men, 
and  the  immortal  gods.” 

But  him  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  addressed  in  turn : 
“  They  twain  indeed  wall  not  be  a  long  time  absent  from  the 
severe  contest,  when  the  strength  of  Mars  is  determined  in 
my  palace  betvreen  the  suitors  and  us.  But  do  thou  go  home, 
with  the  dawning  morn,  and  associate  with  the  perfidious 
suitors :  but  the  swine-herd  shall  afterward  take  me  to  the 
city,  like  unto  a  sordid  beggar  and  aged  man.  And  if  they 
shall  dishonor  me  in  the  house,  let  thy  dear  heart  endure  it  in 
thy  breast,  when  I  am  ill  treated,  although  they  should  drag 
me  through  the  house  by  my  feet,  or  should  strike  at  me  with 
weapons:  but  do  thou  looking  on  restrain  thyself;  but,  how^-' 
ever,  desire  them  to  cease  from  their  foolishness,  speaking 
to  them  with  mild  w^ords ;  but  they  will  not  obey  thee ;  for 
their  fatal  day  now  stanc]^  near  them.  [And^^  I  tell  thee 
something  else,  but  do  thou  lay  it  up  in  thy  mind  ;  when 
mueh-counseling  Minerva  shall  put  it  in  my  mind,  1  w'ill  nod 
to  thee  with  my  head ;  do  thou  then,  wdien  thou  perceivest 
it,  take  as  many  warlike  arms  as  lie  in  the  palace,  and  place 
them  in  the  recess  of  the  lofty  chamber ;  but  deceive  the  suit¬ 
ors  W'ith  mild  words,  wdien  desiring  them  they  inquire  of  you, 
[saying,]  ‘  I  have  placed  them  out  of  the  smoke ;  since  they 
are  no  longer  like  unto  those,  which  Ulysses  left,  depart¬ 
ing  for  Troy,  but  they  are  soiled,  as  far  as  the  vapor  of  the 
fire  has  reached  them.  But  this  also  of  still  greater  conse¬ 
quence  the  son  of  Saturn  has  ])ut  in  my  mind,  lest  by  chance 
intoxicated,  having  raised  a  (quarrel  among  you,  ye  ’should 
w'ound  one  another,  and  disgrace  the  feast,  and  the  w'ooing ; 
for  the  steel  of  itself  drawls  on  a  man.^^  for  us  alone 

”  There  is  much  doubt  respecting  lliis  passage  as  far  as  vs.  298.  See 
Clarke.  Clarke  aptly  com jiares  Tacitus,  Hist.  i.  80,  “etvisa  inter 

tenuilentos  arma  cupidinem  sui  movei'O.”  Cf.  Duport,  Gnom.  llbiu.p.  235. 


295— 338.J 


ODYSSEY.  XVI. 


225 


leave  two  swords  and  two  spears,  and  two  shields  of  bulls’ 
hides  to  take  in  our  hands :  that  rushing  upon  them  we  may 
seize  them ;  but  then  Pallas  Minerva  and  provident  Jove  will 
soften  them.’^^]  But  I  tell  thee  something  else,  and  do  thou 
lay  it  up  in  thy  mind ;  if  thou  art  truly  mine  and  from  my 
blood,  let  no  one  hear  of  Ulysses  as  being  within,  let  not  Laer¬ 
tes  know  this,  nor  the  swine-herd,  nor  any  one  of  the  serv¬ 
ants,  nor  Penelope  herself :  but  thou  and  I  alone  may  learn 
the  disposition  of  the  women  ;  and  we  may  besides  try  the 
men-servants,  both  who  honors  us  and  fears  us  in  his  mind, 
and  who  disregards  us,  and  dishonors  thee  who  art  such.” 

But  him  his  glorious  son  in  answer  addressed  :  “  O  father, 
truly  I  think  thou  wilt  know  my  mind  even  hereafter ;  for 
laxity  of  mind  does  not  by  any  means  possess  me ;  but  I  do 
not  think  this  will  be  a  profit  to  either  of  us ;  and  I  exhort 
thee  to  consider.  For  thus  thou  wilt  sit  for  a  long  time  try¬ 
ing  each,  going  over  the  works ;  but  they  quiet  in  the  palace 
are  consuming  thy  possessions  with  violence,  nor  is  there  any 
sparing.  But,  however,  I  exhort  thee  to  find  out  the  women, 
both  who  dishonor  thee,  and  who  are  innocent;  but  I  should 
not  wish  that  we  should  try  the  men  at  their  abodes,  but  to 
manage  these  things  afterward,  if  at  least  thou  art  surely  ac¬ 
quainted  with  some  sign  from  ^Egis-bearing  Jove.” 

Thus  they  spoke  to  one  another.  But  in  the  mean  while 
the  well-built  ship,  which  brought  Tcleniachus  and  all  liis 
companions  from  Pylos,  was  dniwn  up  to  Ithaca :  but  when 
they  now  came  within  the  very  deep  haven,  they  drew  the 
black  ship  upon  the  shore,  and  the  noble-minded  servants 
took  away  their  arms ;  and  they  immediately  carried  the 
beautiful  presents  to  Clytius’s  [house].  And  they  sent  a 
herald  forward  to  the  house  of  Ulysses,  to  tell  the  ncM^s  to 
prudent  Penelope,  that  Telemachus  was  in  the  country,  but 
liad  commanded  the  ship  to  sail  to  the  city  :  that  the  noble 
(pieen,  fearing  in  her  mind,  might  not  shed  a  tender  tear. 
And  the  herald  and  the  divine  swine-herd  met  together,  on 
account  of  the  same  message,  to  tell  it  to  the  lady.  But 
when  they  reached  the  house  of  the  divine  king,  the  herald 
said  in  the  middle  of  the  handmaidens:  “Now  indeed,  O 
queen,  thy  dear  son  is  arrived.” 

But  the  swine-herd,  starKhug  near  Penelope,  told  all  the 

i.  e.  make  them  cowards. 

K  2 


22G 


ODYSSEY.  XVI. 


[339—375. 


tilings,  whatever  her  clear  son  had  commanded  him  to  relate. 
And  after  he  had  told  all  his  commission,  he  then  went  to  go 
to  the  swine,  and  he  left  the  inclosures  and  the  palace.  But 
the  suitors  were  vexed  and  astounded  in  their  mind  :  and  they 
come  out  of  the  palace,  outside  the  great  wall  of  the  hall,  and 
there  they  sat  before  the  doors :  but  Eurymachus,  son  of  Poly- 
bus,  began  to  harangue  them  : 

“  O  friends,  a  daring  deed  has  in  truth  been  performed 
with  mighty  boldness  by  Telemachus,  this  voyage  [forsooth] ; 
but  we  said  it  would  not  be  accomplished.  But  come,  we  will 
draw  out  a  black  ship,  whichever  is  the  best ;  and  will  collect 
together  fishermen  for  rowers,  who  with  all  haste  may  bid 
them  return  home  quickly.” 

Scarcely  had  all  been  said,  when  Amphinomus,  turning 
from  his  place, beheld  the  ship  within  the  very  deep  haven, 
and  [the  crew]  furling  the  sails,  and  holding  the  oars  in  their 
hands.  And  laughing  pleasantly,  he  addressed  his  compan¬ 
ions  : 

“  We  need  not  any  more  urge  on  any  message ;  for  they 
are  within  ;  either  some  one  of  the  gods  has  told  this  to  them, 
or  they  have  themselves  seen  the  ship  passing,  but  could  not 
reach  it.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  they  rising  up,  w^ent  to  the  shore  of 
the  sea.  And  they  immediately  drew  the  black  ship  on  the 
shore,  and  the  noble-minded  servants  took  aw’ay  their  arms. 
But  they  went  together  to  the  assembly,  nor  did  they  suffer 
any  one  of  the  others,  either  young  or  old,  to  eit  wdth  them : 
but  Antinous,  son  of  Eupithes,  addressed  them  : 

“Alas!  how  have  the  gods  freed  this  man  from  evil.  Dur¬ 
ing  the  days,  spies  in  continual  succession  sat  on  the  wdndy 
promontories  ;  and  with  the  setting  sun  we  never  slept  on  shore 
during  the  night,  but  sailing  with  our  swift  ship  in  the  sea, 
we  Avaited  for  the  divine  Morn,  lying  in  ambush  for  Telema¬ 
chus,  tliat  having  taken,  Ave  might  destroy  him :  but  in  the 
mean  Avhile  the  deity  has  brought  him  home.  But  let  us  here 
devise  mournful  destruction  for  Telemachus ;  nor  let  him  escape 
us ;  for  I  do  not  think  that,  Avhile  he  is  ali\’e,  at  least,  these 
things  Avill  be  accomplished.^®  For  nc  is  himself  knowing  in 
counsel  and  in  thought ;  nor  do  the  people  any  longer  at  all 

i.  e.  changing  his  position.  Sec?  Ernesti. 

The  marriage  of  Penelopd. 


375—415.] 


ODYSSEY.  XVI. 


227 


bring  agreeable  things  to  us.  But  come,  before  he  collects 
the  Greeks  together  to  a  meeting  ;  (for  I  do  not  think  that  he 
will  leave  otF,  but  he  will  be  wrath  with  us,  and  rising  up,  he 
will  tell  among  all,  that  we  planned  violent  death  for  him, 
and  did  not  reach  him.  But  they,  hearing  [our]  evil  deeds, 
will  not  approve ;)  for  fear  they  should  do  evil,  and  drive  us 
out  of  our  own  land,  and  we  should  come  to  another  people. 
But  let  us  anticipate  him,  destroying  [him]  in  the  country  at 
a  distance  from  the  city,  or  on  the  w^ay :  and  let  us  ourselves 
have  his  property  and  possessions,  dividing  them  among  us  by 
shares,  and  afterward  w^e  may  give  the  house  to  his  mother 
to  possess,  and  to  whomsoever  weds  her.  But  if  this  advice 
displeases  you,  and  you  wish  both  that  he  should  live,  and 
possess  all  his  ancestral  property,  then  let  not  us,  here  assem¬ 
bled,  consume  his  mind-delighting  property  to  excess ;  but  let 
each  out  of  the  palace  woo  her,  seeking  her  with  doweries : 
and  she  then  may  marry  wiioever  gives  her  most  [gifts],  and 
comes  destined  [for  her  husband].” 

Thus  he  spoke,  but  they  all  became  mute  in  silence.  And 
Amphinomus  harangued  and  addressed  them,  the  illustrious 
son  of  Nisus,  son  of  king  Aretias,  wiio  led  the  suitors  from 
wheat-abounding,  grassy  Dulichium ;  and  he  especially  pleased 
Penelope  by  his  w^ords;  for  he  possessed  an  excellent  mind. 
Who  being  w^ell-disposed,  harangued  and  addressed  them: 

“  O  friends,  1  indeed  should  not  wish  to  slay  Telemachus : 
it  is  a  terrible  thing  to  slay  one  of  royal  race :  but  first  let 
us  ask  the  counsel  of  the  gods ;  and  if  the  oracles  of  mighty 
Jove  advise  it,  1  myself  will  slay  him,  and  w  ill  encourage  all 
the  rest;  but  if  the  gods  turn  us  away  from  it,  I  exhort  you 
to  cease.” 

Thus  si)oke  Amphinomus  ;  and  his  discourse  pleased  them  : 
immediately  then  rising  up,  they  w’ent  to  the  house  of  Ulys¬ 
ses,  and  wiien  they  came  they  sat  dowm  upon  polished  thrones. 
But  prudent  Penelope  thought  of  something  new,  to  appear  to 
the  suitors  wiio  possess  extravagant  insolence;  for  she  heard 
in  the  palace  of  the  [threatened]  destruction  of  her  son  ;  for 
I  the  herald  Medon,  who  heard  their  counsels,  told  her.  And 
she  w^nt  to  the  palace,  with  her  w'omen  attendants  :  but  wiien 
the  divine  one  of  women  had  come  to  the  suitors,  she  then 
stood  near  the  pillar  of  the  firmly-made  roof,  holding  up  a 


228 


ODYSSEY.  XVI. 


f41G— 4r)2. 

slender  vail  before  her  cheeks ;  and  she  chided  Antinous,  and 
spoke  and  addressed  him  by  name : 

“  O  Antinous,  thou  who  possessest  insolence,  thou  contriv¬ 
er  of  evil,  they  say  indeed  that  thou  art  the  most  excellent 
among  those  of  thine  age  in  the  people  of  Ithaca  in  counsel 
and  in  words:  but  thou  indeed  art  not  such  an  one.  Frantic 
one,  why  dost  thou  devise  death  and  fate  for  Telemachus,  nor 
revere  suppliants,  for  whom  Jove  is  a  witness?  it  is  not  holy 
to  devise  evils  against  one  another.  Dost  thou  not  know, 
when  thy  father  came  hither  a  fugitive,  dreading  the  people  ? 
for  they  were  very  wroth,  because  following  Taphian  pirates 
he  injured  the  Thesprotians ;  and  they  were  our  friends;  they 
wished  to  destroy  him,  and  to  tear  in  pieces  his  dear  heart, 
and  to  consume  his  large  strength-yielding  livelihood  :  but 
Ulysses  hindered  and  kept  them  otF,  although  anxious.  II is 
house  thou  now  consumest  in  dishonor,  and  wooest  his  wife, 
and  slayest  his  son,  and  dost  greatly  afflict  me.  But  1  charge 
thee  to  cease,  and  to  exhort  the  others  [to  do  so].” 

But  her  Eurymachus,  son  of  Folybus,  answered  in  turn  : 
‘‘  O  daughter  of  Icarus,  prudent  Penelope,  be  confident,  let 
not  these  things  be  a  care  to  thee  in  thy  mind.  There  is  not 
that  man,  nor  will  there  be,  nor  can  there  be  born,  who  shall 
lay  his  hands  on  thy  son  Telemachus,  at  least  while  I  am 
alive,  and  behold  [the  light]  upon  the  earth.  For  thus  I  tell 
thee,  and  it  shall  indeed  be  performed,  his  black  blood  shall 
quickly  flow  around  my  spear;  since  city-destroying  Ulysses 
often  having  seated  me  on  his  knees,  put  roasted  flesh  in  my 
hands,  and  gave  me  ruby  wine.  Therefore  to  me  Telemachus 
is  far  dearest  of  all  men  ;  nor  do  I  advise  him  at  all  to  fear 
death  from  the  suitors ;  but  from  the  gods  it  is  not  possible  to 
avoid  it.” 

Thus  he  spoke,  cheering  [her],  but  he  himself  prepared  de¬ 
struction  for  him.  She  ascending  to  the  splendid*®  upper 
rooms,  wept  then  for  her  beloved  husband  Ulysses;  until  blue¬ 
eyed  ]^Iiner^;a  shed  sweet  sleep  over  her  eyebrows.  And  in 
the  evening  the  divine  swine-herd  came  to  Ulysses  and  his 

StyaXofvra — ov  ra  aiyCovra,  aWa  ra  tfnrotovvra  aiyi)v  r/p  jSXtTrov- 
Ti  did  TO  Oavfiacrrd  tivai,  says  Eustatliius.  So  also  Ilesych.  Xafnrpd  ttoi- 
KiXci.  If  this  is  true,  wo  may  compare  the  popular  English  phrase, 
“stunning,”  as  applied  to  things  in  general. 


453—481.] 


ODYSSEY.  XVI. 


229 


son  :  and  they  were  preparing  supper  skillfully,’”^  having  slain 
a  pigling  porker  of  one  year  old :  but  Minerva,  standing  near 
Ulysses,  son  of  Laertes,  having  smote  him  with  a  rod,  again 
made  him  an  old  man :  and  she  put  sad  garments  about  his 
body ;  that  the  swine-herd  might  not  know  him,  beholding 
him  opposite,  and  come  telling  the  news  to  prudent  Penelope, 
nor  keep  it  in  his  mind.  And  to  him  Telemachus  first  ad¬ 
dressed  discourse : 

“  Thou  art  come,  divine  Eummus ;  what  is  now  the  report 
through  the  city are  the  haughty  suitors  now  from  their  am¬ 
bush?  or  do  they  still  wait  for  me  as  I  return  home?” 

But  him  thou  didst  address  in  answer,  O  swine-herd  Eu- 
mmus :  “  It  was  not  a  care  to  me  to  impure  and  ask  these 
things,  as  I  was  going  through  the  city  ;  but  my  mind  urged 
me,  having  given  my  message,  to  return  hither  again  as  quick¬ 
ly  as  possible.  But  a  swift  messenger,  a  herald  from  thy  com¬ 
panions,  met  with  me,  who  first  told  the  thing  to  thy  mother. 
But  this  I  know,  for  I  beheld  it  with  mine  eyes ;  I  was  just 
now  going  beyond  the  city,  where  is  the  Hermman  hill,’®  when 
I  beheld  a  swift  ship  coming  down  to  our  port ;  and  there 
were  many  men  in  it ;  and  it  was  heavy  with  shields  and 
double-edged  spears ;  and  I  thought  that  it  was  they ;  yet  I 
know  not  [for  certain].” 

Thus  he  spoke,  but  the  sacred  might  of  Telemachus  smiled, 
looking  upon  his  father  with  his  eyes ;  but  he  avoided  the 
swine-herd.  But  when  they  had  ceased  from  toil,  and  had 
got  ready  a  feast,  they  feasted  ;  nor  was  their  mind  at  all  in 
want  of  an  equal  banquet.  But  when  they  had  taken  away 
the  desire  of  drinking  and  eating,  then  they  were  mindful  j:)f 
the  couch,  and  enjoyed  the  gift  of  sleep. 

See  note  on  xiii.  52.  Here  I  follow  the  second  interpretation  of 
Ilesychius,  tuTreipiog. 

A  heap  of  stones  in  the  road  was  so  called.  See  the  Scholiast. 


230 


ODYSSEY.  XVII. 


[1—28. 


BOOK  X  Y  I  I. 

ARGUMENT. 

On  the  following  day  Telemachus  goes  to  the  city,  and  gives  an  account 
of  his  voyage  to  Penelope :  Theoclymenus,  whom  he  introduces,  fore¬ 
tells  the  speedy  return  of  Ulysses,  whom  Eumajus  conducts  to  the  city, 
and  takes  to  the  palace,  where  he  is  recognized  by  his  old  dog  Argus, 
who  dies  at  his  feet.  Ulysses  then  goes  among  the  suitors,  by  whom  he 
is  treated  with  insolence :  Penelope  hearing  of  him,  as  a  stranger,  from 
Eumseus,  sends  for  him ;  but  he  declines  to  go  to  her  until  the  evening, 
when  the  suitors  have  left  the  palace.  Eumajus  then  returns  to  the 
country. 

But  when  the  mother  of  dawn,  rosy-tingered  morning,  ap¬ 
peared,  then  Telemachus,  the  dear  son  of  divine  Ulysses, 
bound  beautiful  sandals  under  his  feet :  and  he  took  a  strong 
spear  which  fitted  his  hands,  setting  out  toward  the  city,  and 
he  addressed  his  swine-herd  : 

“  Father,  I  am  going  to  the  city,  that  my  mother  may  see 
me  (for  I  do  not  think  that  she  will  cease  fi’om  hateful  mourn¬ 
ing  and  tearful  grief  before  she  beholds  me  myself)  :  but  thus 
I  charge  thee,  bring  the  unhappy  stranger  to  the  city,  that  he 
may  there  beg  a  meal ;  but  whoever  chooses  will  give  him  a 
meal-cake  and  a  small  measure^  [of  drinkj ;  but  it  is  not  pos¬ 
sible  for  me  to  support  all  men,  having  griefs  in  my  mind. 
But  if  the  stranger  is  very  wroth,  it  will  be  sadder  for  him ; 
for  the  truth  is  dear  to  me  to  speak.” 

But  him  much-planning  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer:  “O 
my  friend,  I  myself  indeed  do  not  wish  to  be  detained;  it  is 
better  for  a  beggar  to  beg  a  meal  in  a  city,  than  in  ‘the  coun¬ 
try  ;  for  whoever  chooses  will  give  to  me.  P^or  I  am  no  longer 
of  such  an  age  to  remain  at  the  stalls,  so  as  to  obey  a  master 
who  commands  me  in  every  thing.  But  go;  this  man,  whom 
thou  desirest,  will  lead  me  to  the  city  immediately,  at  least 
when  I  am  warmed  with  the  fire,  and  there  is  heat  from  the 
sim ;  (for  these  garments  which  I  have  arc  very  sad  ones;) 
lest  the  morning  frost  should  overcome  me ;  and  ye  say  the 
city  is  far  olf.” 

Thus  he  spoke :  but  Telemachus  went  through  the  abode, 
swiftly  stepping  forward  with  his  feet :  and  he  brooded  evils 
for  the  suitors.  But  when  he  reached  the  well-built  dwelling, 

'  See  Liddell’s  Lexieon. 


20—07.] 


ODYSSEY.  XVII. 


231 


taking  liis  spear,  lie  jilaccd  it  against  the  lofty  column,  and  he 
himself  went  in,  and  passed  over  the  stone  threshold. 

And  him  did  the  nurse  Euryclea  behold  much  the  first,  as 
she  was  spreading  tieeces  upon  the  variegated  thrones :  then 
Aveeping  she  went  straight  forward  ;  and  the  other  handmaid¬ 
ens  of  wretched  Ulysses  Avere  assembled  around  him,  and  em¬ 
bracing  him  they  kissed  his  head  and  shoulders.  And  prudent 
I’enelope  came  Irom  her  chamber,  like  unto  Diana  and  golden 
Venus  :  and  she  threw  her  arms  around  her  dear  son,  Aveep- 
ing.  And  she  kissed  his  head  and  both  his  beautiful  eyes ; 
and  lamenting  addressed  to  him  Avinged  Avords: 

“  Thou  art  come,  O  Telemachus,  my  sweet  light :  I  did  not 
I  think  that  1  should  behold  thee  any  more,  Avhen  thou  didst  go 
in  a  ship  to  Pylos  secretly,  against  my  will,  to  inquire  for  thy 
dear  father;  but  come,  tell  me  what  sight  thou  hast  encoun¬ 
tered.” 

But  her  prudent  'i'elemachus  ansAvered  in  turn:  “O  my 
mother,  do  not  raise  grief  unto  me,  nor  excite  the  heart  Avith- 
in  the  breast  of  me,  avIio  have  escaped  bitter  destruction.  But 
having  Avashed  thyself,  and  taken  clean  garments  for  thy  body, 
[ascending  to  the  upper  rooms  Avitli  thy  Avomen  attendants,] 
voAv  to  all  the  gods  that  thou  Avilt  offer  up  sacred  hecatombs, 
if  Jove  Avill  by  any  means  execute  deeds  of  vengeance.  But 
I  Avill  go  to  the  place  of  meeting,  that  I  may  iiuite  a  stran¬ 
ger,  Avho  attended  me  from  thence,  as  I  Avas  coming  hither. 
Jlim  I  sent  on  indeed  Avith  my  godlike  companions:  and  I 
ordered  l^ineus,  leading  him  home,  to  entertain  him,  and  hon¬ 
or  him  heartily,  until  1  should  come.” 

'idius  he  spoke ;  but  the  Avord  Avas  uuAvinged.^  But  she, 
having  washed  herself,  [and]  taken  clean  garments  for  her 
body,  voAA-ed  to  all  the  gods,  that  she  Avould  offer  up  sacred 
hecatombs,  if  by  any  moans  Jove  Avould  execute  deeds  of 
vengeance.  But  Telemachus  then  AA^nt  through  out  of  the 
palace,  holding  his  S])ear:  and  SAvift-footed  dogs  accompanied 
him.  But  Minerva  shed  divine  grace  upon  him:  and  all  the 
})eople  admired  him  as  he  came.  And  the  haughty  suitors 
were  assembled  around  him,  speaking  good  Avords,  but  they 
planned  evils  deeply  in  their  minds.  And  he  immediately 

•  i.  c.  it  proved  efTeetnal,  it  made  an  impression  on  tlie  mind  of  Pe- 
nelojie,  /n)  (nruTTTac,  dXX’  iirintivav;  ry  yvvaiicl,  Eustatlhus.  But  see 
A]>oilon.  Lex.  and  llesycli. 


232 


ODYSSEY.  XVir. 


[OS— lOG 


avoided  the  great  crowd  of  them  ;  but  where  Mentor  sat,  and 
Antiphus,  and  Alitherses  (who  from  the  beginning  were  his 
ancestral  friends),  tiiere  going,  he  sat  down  ;  and  they  inquired 
every  thing  [of  him].  And  spear-renowned  Pira3us  came 
near  them,  bringing  the  stranger  through  the  city  to  the  fo¬ 
rum  :  nor  was  Telemachus  a  long  time  turned  far  away  from 
the  stranger,  but  he  stood  near  him.  And  him  Piraeus  first 
addressed  in  words : 

“  O  Telemachus,  quickly  incite  women  [to  go]  to  my  house, 
that  I  may  send  away  the  presents,  which  Menelaus  gave  to 
thee.” 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn :  “  O  Pi- 
rceus,  we  know  not  how  these  things  will  be;  if  the  haughty 
suitors,  slaying  me  secretly  in  the  palace,  should  divide  all 
my  ancestral  property,  I  wish  that  thou  or  some  one  of  these 
should  keep  and  enjoy  them ;  but  if  I  shall  plant  death  and 
fate  for  them,  tlien  rejoicing  bring  them  to  me  rejoicing,  to 
my  dwelling.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  led  the  much-worn  stranger  home. 
But  when  they  reached  the  well-built  house,  they  laid  their 
cloaks  down  upon  the  benches  and  thrones,  and  going  into 
the  well-polished  baths  they  washed  themselves.  But  when 
the  handmaidens  had  washed  them,  and  anointed  them  with 
oil,  they  threw  woolen  cloaks  and  garments  around  them, 
and  going  out  of  the  bath,  they  sat  down  upon  the  benches. 
And  a  handmaiden  bringing  water  in  a  beautiful  golden  ewer, 
poured  it  over  a  silver  caldron,  to  wash  in ;  and  near  them 
she  spread  a  polished  table.  And  the  venerable  housekeeper 
bringing  food  set  it  near  them,  placing  on  it  many  kinds  of 
meat,  gratifying  them  as  well  as  she  could  out  of  what  Was 
present.  But  his  mother  sat  opposite  [to  him],  near  a  col¬ 
umn  of  the  palace,  reclining  on  a  bench,  twisting  her  slender 
distaff.  And  they  stretched  forth  their  hands  to  the  food  ly¬ 
ing  ready  before  them.  But  when  they  had  taken  away  the 
desire  of  drinking  and  eating,  prudent  Penelope  began  speak¬ 
ing  to  them ; 

“  O  Telemachus,  I  indeed  ascending  to  the  upper  room, 
will  lie  down  on  my  bed,  which  to  me  has  become  mourn¬ 
ful,  ever  being  bedewed  with  my  tears,  since  Ulysses  went 
with  the  Atruhe  to  Ilium :  nor  hast  thou  endured,  before  the 
haughty  suitors  came  to  this  house,  to  tell  me  clearly  con- 


107—149.] 


ODYSSEY.  XVII. 


233 


cerning  the  return  of  thy  father,  whether  thou  Iiast  any  where 
heard  of  him.*’ 

And  her  prudent  Telemachus  answered  jin  turn:  ‘‘There¬ 
fore  I  will  tell  thee,  mother,  the  truth.  We  went  to  Pylos, 
and  to  Nestor,  the  shepherd  of  the  people;  and  he,  having 
received  me  in  his  lofty  house,  entertained  me  heartily,  as  a 
father  does  a  son  who  has  just  come  from  elsewhere  after  a 
long  season  ;  so  diligently  did  he  take  care  of  me,  with  his 
renowned  sons.  But  he  said  that  he  had  not  heard  of  wretch¬ 
ed  Ulysses,  alive  or  dead,  from  any  one  of  men  upon  the  earth ; 
but  he  sent  me  on  with  horses,  and  a  compact  chariot,  to 
spear-renowned  INIenelaus,  son  of  Atreus.  There  I  beheld  Ar- 
give  Helen,  on  whose  account  the  Argives  and  Trojans  toiled 
much,  through  the  will  of  the  gods.  Immediately  then  Men- 
elaus,  gallant  in  the  din  of  battle,  inquired,  what  wishing,  I 
had  come  to  divine  Lacedaemon.  But  I  told  him  the  whole 
truth.  And  then  indeed  answering  me  with  words,  he  ad¬ 
dressed  me  :  ‘  Alas  !  surely  indeed  they  being  weak  have  wish¬ 
ed  to  sleep  in  the  bed  of  a  noble-minded  man.  As  when  a 
stag  having  put  to  sleep  her  new-born  suckling  kids  in  the  den 
of  a  strong  lion,  tracks  out  the  slopes  and  grassy  vales,  seeking 
pasture  ;  but  he  has  quickly  entered  into  his  lair,  and  upon 
both  of  them  has  brought  unseemly  fate  :  so  will  Ulysses  bring 
unseemly  fate  upon  them.  May  he,  O  father  Jove,  and  Mi¬ 
nerva,  and  Apollo,  being  such,  as  once  in  well-built  Lesbos, 
having  risen  up,  he  wrestled  in  contest  with  Philomelides,  and 
threw  him  nobly,  and  all  the  Grecians  rejoiced  :  [would  that], 
being  such,  Ulysses  may  engage  with  the  suitors :  all  would 
then  be  quick-fated,  and  bitterly  married.  But  as  to  these 
things,  which  thou  askest  and  entreatest  of  me,  I  will  not  tell 
thee  otlier  things  out  of  the  way,  turning  aside,  nor  will  I  de¬ 
ceive  thee :  but  the  things  which  the  true-speaking  old  man 
of  the  sea  told  me,  of  these  1  will  not  conceal  or  hide  a  word. 
He  said  that  he  beheld  him  in  an  island  having  violent  griefs, 
in  the  palace  of  the  nymph  Calypso,  who  detains  him  by  ne¬ 
cessity;  but  he  can  not  come  to  his  paternal  land;  for  there 
are  not  ships  v/ith  oars  for  him,  and  companions  who  may 
escort  him  over  the  wide  back  of  the  sea.’  Thus  spoke  spear- 
renowned  Menelaus,  son  of  Atreus.  Having  finished  these 
things,  I  returned :  and  the  immortals,  who  sent  me  quickly 
to  my  dear  country,  gave  me  a  prosperous  gale.” 


234  ODYSSEY.  XVII.  [150—188. 

Thus  he  spoke,  and  he  moved  her  mind  in  her  breast.  But 
godlike  Theoclymeniis  addressed  them  : 

“  O  venerable  wife  of  Ulysses,  son  of  Laertes :  he  indeed 
does  not  know  it  clearly ;  but  do  thou  regard  my  discourse ; 
for  I  will  prophesy  accurately  to  thee,  nor  will  I  conceal  it. 
Now  let  Jove,  first  of  the  gods,  be  witness,  and  thine  hospi¬ 
table  table,  and  the  hearth  of  blameless  Ulysses,  to  which  I 
come,  that  Ulysses  indeed  is  now  sitting  in  his  paternal  land, 
or  walking,  inquiring  concerning  these  evil  deeds,  but  he  is 
planting  evil  for  all  the  suitors.  Such  augury  I  beheld,  sit¬ 
ting  on  the  well-benched  ship,  and  I  called  out  to  Telema- 
chus.” 

But  him  prudent  Penelope  addressed  in  turn  .  “  I  wish,  O 
stranger,  this  word  may  be  accomplislied,  then  wouldst  thou 
speedily  experience  my  friendship,  and  [receive]  many  gifts 
from  me,  so  that  any  one  meeting  with  thee  w'ould  give  thee 

Thus  they  spoke  to  one  another.  But  the  suitors  before 
the  palace  of  Ulysses  were  delighted  with  quoits,  and  hurl¬ 
ing  with  javelins  on  the  wrought  pavement,  where  even  be¬ 
fore  they  practiced  their  insolence.  But  when  it  was  now 
supper-time,  and  the  cattle  came  from  the  country  on  all 
sides,  and  they  brought  them,  who  before  [used  to  bring 
them]:  then  indeed  did  Medon  address  them,  for  he  most 
pleased  them  of  the  heralds,  and  with  them  w^as  present  at 
the  feast : 

“  O  youths,  since  ye  have  all  been  delighted  in  your  mind 
wdth  contests,  come  to  the  house,  that  we  may  make  ready  a 
feast,  for  it  is  by  no  means  bad  to  take  supper  at  the  proper 
season.” 

Thus  he  spoke,  but  they  rising  up  went,  and  obeyed  his 
word.  Ikit  when  they  came  to  the  well-built  dwelling,  they 
laid  their  cloaks  down  on  the  benches  and  thrones,  and  sacri¬ 
ficed  large  sheep  and  fat  goats  :  and  they  sacrificed  fatted 
swine,  and  a  cow  from  the  herd,  making  ready  a  feast :  but 
Ulysses  and  the  divine  swine-herd  hastened  to  go  from  tlie 
country  to  the  city.  But  to  them  the  swine-herd,  chief  of 
men,  began  discourse  : 

“  O  stranger,  since  thou  indeed  desirest  to  go  to-day  to  the 
city,  as  my  master  ordered,  (go) ;  certairdy  1  should  wish  thee 
to  be  here  a  guardian  of  the  stalls ;  but  I  reverence  and  fear 


i88— 219.J 


ODYSSEY.  XVIL 


235 


him,  lest  afterward  he  should  be  wroth  with  me :  now  the 
chidings  of  masters  are  severe.  l>ut  come  now,  let  us  go; 
for  the  day  is  now  almost  gone  by,^  but  soon  indeed  toward 
evening  it  will  be  more  chilly.” 

But  him  much-planning  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer:  “I 
know  it,  1  am  aware  of  it ;  thou  commandest  these  things  to 
one  who  understands.  But  let  us  go :  do  thou  then  lead  the 
way  throughout.  But  give  me,  if  thou  by  chance  hast  one 
cut,  a  staff  to  lean  upon,  since  thou  saycst  that  it  is  a  slippery 
way.” 

lie  spoke ;  and  around  his  shoulders  threw  an  unseemly 
satchel,  densely  ragged  ;  but  there  Avas  a  twisted  cord‘  to  hold 
it.  But  Eumseus  gave  him  a  mind-delighting  staff.  They 
twain  Avent  along :  but  the  dogs  and  herdsmen  remaining  be¬ 
hind,  defended  the  stall :  and  he  led  his  master  to  the  city, 
like  unto  a  squalid  beggar  and  an  old  man,  leaning  on  a  staff: 
and  miserable  garments  Avere  put  upon  his  body.  lUit  Avhen 
now  treading  the  rugged  Avay  they  Averc  near  the  city,  and 
reached  the  beautiful-flowing  fountain,  Avrought  by  men’s 
hands,^  from  Avhcncc  the  citizens  drcAv  Avater,  Avhich  Ithacus 
and  Neritus  and  Polyctor  made:  and  around  there  Avas  a 
grove  of  water-nurtured  poplars  circular  on  all  sides,  and  cold 
Avater  flowed  doAvn  from  a  rock  from  on  high  ;  and  there  Avas 
an  altar  of  the  Nymphs  built  above  it,  Avhere  all  travelers 
made  offerings.  There  Mclanthius,  son  of  Dolius,  found  them, 
bringing  those  goats  Avhicfi  surpassed  all  the  flocks,  as  a  sup¬ 
per  for  the  suitors:  and  tAVo  attendants  folloAved  him.  But 
seeing  [tliem],  he  chided  them,  and  spoke  and  addressed  them 
in  a  violent  and  unseemly  manner ;  and  he  roused  tlic  heart 
of  Ulysses  [by  saying  thus] : 

“Noav  indeed  by  all  means  the  vile  leads  the  vile;  so  the 
deity  ever  brings  the  like  to  the  like.*'  Wlicre,  O  unenvied 

’  Observe  the  perfect  /.uiujSXioKe  from  /SXwrr/cw. 

*  arpixpoQ  (lopTi'if)  is  what  wo  should  call  in  English  “a  bracer,”  or 
“suspender.”  Ilesych.  cioprevr  (pop^vQ  rou  ^i(pov(j.  aoprppfQ,  oi  ava(po- 
pttt;  Tov  ^i(l>ov(j.  Cf.  Alberti,  t.  i.  p.  417,  s(p,  and  liekker,  Anecdot.  ii. 
p.  414,  V.  doprt'ip. 

’  TVKrpV. 

®  Aristot.  Eth.  viii.  1.  dOev  tov  dpowv  (paaiv  log  dpoiov,  Kcii  koXoiov 
TTor'i  KoXoidv.  Ithet.  i.  11.  d9tv  kui  ai  irupoiplai  f"tpi]VTai,  ojg  I/Xiku 
TfpTTfi.  Cf.  Plato  Phajdr.  p.  842,  13.  Theoj)hrast.  Char.  xxix.  Aristajiiet. 
Ej).  i.  10;  Cicer.  do  Scncct.  8. 


236 


ODYSSEY.  XVir. 


[220—2^7, 

swine-herd,  dost  thou  lead  this  hungry  fellow,  a  wretched 
beggar,  a  destroyer  of  feasts :  who,  standing  near  many  door¬ 
posts,  will  rub  his  shoulders,  begging  morsels,  not  tripods  or 
caldrons?^  If  thou  wouldst  give  him  to  me  to  bo  a  guard  of 
my  stalls,  and  to  be  a  sweeper  of  the  folds,  and  to  carry  a 
branch  [of  herbs]  for  the  kids,®  then  drinking  whey,  he  would 
render  his  thisfhs  stout.  But  since  then  he  indeed  has  learned 
evil  works,  he  will  not  be  willing  to  go  to  work,®  but  crouch¬ 
ing  among  the  people,  he  prefers^®  asking  alms  to  feed  his  in¬ 
satiable  belly.  But  I  tell  thee  plainly,'^  and  this  shall  be 
accomplished,  if  he  comes  to  the  dwelling  of  divine  Ulysses, 
the  sides  of  him  being  pelted  through  the  house  will  wear 
out^2  many  foot-stools  [thrown]  about  his  head  from  the  hands 
of  men.” 

Thus  he  spoke;  and  going  by  him,  he  in  his  foolishness 
leaped  upon  his  haunch  with  his  heel ;  nor  did  he  thrust  him 
out  of  the  path,  but  he  remained  without  stumbling  ;  and  Ulys¬ 
ses  meditated,  whether  rushing  swiftly  upon  him,  he  should 
take  away  his  life  with  a  club,  or  should  dash  his  head  against 
the  earth,  raising  him  on  the  ground.  But  ho  endured  it,  and 
he  refrained  in  his  mind  :  but  the  swine-herd  chided  him,  look¬ 
ing  at  him  :  and  uplifting  his  hands,  he  prayed  aloud  : 

“  O  fountain  Nymphs,  ye  daughters  of  Jove,  if  ever  Ulysses 
has  burned  thighs  for  you,  covering  them  with  the  rich  fat, 
of  lambs  or  kids,  accomplish  this  work  for  me,  that  that  man 
may  come,  and  the  deity  may  bring  him :  then  would  he  dis¬ 
perse  all  the  boasting,  which  you  now  insulting  bear,  wander¬ 
ing  ever  throughout  the  city :  but  evil  herdsmen  destroy  tljo 
cattle.”’® 

But  him  Melanthius  the  goat-herd  in  turn  addressed :  “  O 

i.  c.  who  does  not  enter  the  lists  in  the  public  contests,  of  which  such 
gifts  were  the  customary  rewards.  See  Eustathius. 

®  This  appears  to  be  an  allusion  to  the  custom  of  holding  out  a  branch 
of  herbs  or  fodder,  in  order  to  lure  the  cattle  homeward.  The  projKJf 
Greek  phrase  is  irpoatitv  OaWuv.  See  Kuhnk.  on  Tim.  v.  OaWogy  p. 
13G,  sqq. 

®  Or  “set  about  work.” 

On  the  ditfercnce  between  (^ouXopai  and  tOsXio,  sec  Buttm.  LexiL 
p.  lot  sqq. 

“  tK  seems  to  answer  to  our  phrase  “to  speak  out.” 

Literally,  “  rub  away.” 

Cf.  Theocrit.  iv.  13.  deiXaXai  y’  aurai,  tov  (3ovk6Xov  <1)C  kcikov  tvpo* 
See  Plato  Theaitet.  p.  128,  A.  ed.  Lam. 


248—283.] 


ODYSSEY.  XVII. 


237 


gods,  wliat  lias  the  dog,  who  kens  evil  things,  uttered?  him 
Avhom  I  some  time  will  remove  far  from  Ithaca,  in  a  well- 
benched  black  ship,  that  he  may  gain  much  livelihood  for  me. 
For  may  silver-bowed  Apollo  strike  Telemachus  to-day  in 
the  palace,  or  may  ho  be  subdued  under  the  suitors,  as  the 
day  of  return  is  lost  to  Ulysses  afar  off.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  left  them  there  going  slowly,  but 
he  went  on,  and  very  quickly  reached  the  dwelling  of  the 
king.  And  he  immediately  went  in,  and  sat  down  among  the 
suitors,  opposite  Eurymachus :  for  he  loved  him  very  much. 
Those  who  ministered  placed  near  him  his  share  of  food,  and 
the  venerable  housekeeper  bringing  bread,  set  it  near  him  to 
eat :  and  Ulysses  and  ,the  divine  swine-herd  coming  stood 
near ;  and  the  sound  of  the  hollow  lyre  came  about  them  ;  for 
Uhemius  struck  up  to  sing ;  but  he,  taking  the  sw'ine-herd  by 
the  hand,  [thus]  addressed  him  : 

“  Eumaius,  of  a  truth  this  dwelling, of  Ulysses  is  very  beau¬ 
tiful  and  easy  to  distinguish,  even  to  behold  among  many.’ 
There  is  one  [story]  above  another ;  and  the  court  is  orna¬ 
mented  with  a  wall  and  battlements,  and  there  are  well-clos¬ 
ing^  ‘  folding-doors;  no  man  would  scoff  at  it.^®  But  I  per¬ 
ceive  that  many  men  are  making  a  banquet  in  it ;  since  the 
smoke  of  the  fat*^  rises  up,  and  the  lyre  speaks  within,  which 
the  gods  have  made  a  companion  to  the  feast.” 

But  him  thou  didst  address  in  answer,  O  swine-herd  Eu- 
mceus :  “  Thou  knowest  it  well ;  since  as  to  other  things  thou 
art  not  unintelligent:  but  come,  let  us  now  consider  how 
these  thinss  Avill  be.  Either  do  thou  first  enter  the  well- 
built  house,  and  go  among  the  suitors,  and  I  will  remain  be¬ 
hind  here :  but  if  thou  wilt,  remain,  and  I  will  go  before : 
nor  do  thou  delay,  lest  some  one  seeing  thee  without,  should 
either  strike  [thee]  or  drive  thee  away  ;  I  exhort  thee  to  con¬ 
sider  these  things.” 

But  him  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  then  answered: 

I  know  it ;  I  am  aware  of  it ;  thou  commandest  these  things 
to  one  Avho  understands.  But  do  thou  go  before,  and  I  will 
remain  here :  for  I  am  not  at  all  inexperienced  in  stripes  or 

i.  e.  safe.  Cf.  Hcsych.  s.  v. 

15  ()j.  u  an-ogant  contempt,”  Ihittin.  Lexil.  j).  .^>20,  Avhere 

he  justly  ridicules  the  old  explanation  “to  take  by  force  of  arms.” 

Hesych.  Ki’idu,  dT/ib^,  Kain'o^  tCjv  BimiiLv. 


238 


ODYSSEY.  XVIL 


[284—325. 


blows ;  my  mind  is  daring,  since  I  have  suffered  many  evils 
on  the  waves,  and  in  war:  and  let  this  happen  after  these. 
But  it  is  not  possible  to  conceal  a  craving  belly,  pernicious, 
which  gives  many  evils  to  men  :  on  account  of  this  even  well- 
yoked  ships  are  fitted  out  for  the  barren  sea,  bringing  evils 
to  the  hostile.” 

Thus  they  spoke  to  one  another.  Ibit  Argus,  the  dog  of 
patient  Ulysses,  lying  down,  held  up  his  head  and  ears,  [the 
dog]  which  he  himself  formerly  nourished,  nor  did  he  enjoy 
the  use  [of  him];  but  he  previously  went  away  to  sacred 
Ilium :  but  young  men  had  before  led  him  against  wild  goats, 
and  harts,  and  hares.  There  he  lay  cast  out,  his  master  hav¬ 
ing  gone  away,  among  much  dung  of  mules  and  oxen,  which 
was  spread  before  the  doors  in  great  quantities:  until  the 
servants  of  Ulysses  should  take  it  away  to  manure  the  extens¬ 
ive  ground:  there  lay  the  dog  Argus,  full  of  vermin.  Then, 
when  he  saw  Ulysses  uear,  he  fawned  with  his  tail,  and  laid 
down  both  his  ears :  but  he  could  no  more  come  nearer  his 
master ;  but  he  beholding  him  at  a  distance  wiped  away  a 
tear,  easily  escaping  the  notice  of  Eumaius :  but  he  inquired 
of  him  immediately : 

“  O  Euma3us,  it  is  indeed  a  wonder ;  this  dog  lies  in  the 
manure ;  he  is  beautiful  as  to  his  body,  but  this  I  do  not  well 
know,  whether  besides  his  beauty  of  form  he  was  swift  to 
run,  or  uselessly,  as  are  the  dogs  at  the  tables  of  men,  his 
masters  take  care  of  him  for  the  sake  of  ornament.” 

But  him  thou  didst  address  in  answer,  O  swine-herd  Eu- 
ma3Lis :  “  This  indeed  is  the  dog  of  a  man  who  has  died  far 
ofi‘.  If  he  were  such,  both  in  body  and  in  feats,  as  Ulysses 
left  him,  when  going  to  Troy,  thou  wouldst  soon  be  surprised, 
beholding  his  swiftness  and  courage.  For  he  did  not  fly  from 
any  monster  that  he  had  pursued  in  the  thickets  of  the  deep 
wood  :  and  ho  was  well  acquainted  with  their  tracks  :  but  he 
is  now  possessed  by  misfortune :  and  his  master  has  perished 
elsewhere  away  from  his  country ;  and  the  neglectful  women 
do  not  take  care  of  him.  But  servants,  when  their  masters 
no  longer  rule  over  them,  are  then  no  longer  willing  to  do  prop¬ 
er  things  :  for  loud-sounding  Jove  takes  away  half  the  excel¬ 
lence  of  a  man,  when  the  day  of  slavery  seizes  hold  of  him.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  entered  the  well-built  house :  and 
he  went  straight  through  the  palace  to  the  illastrious  suitors. 


32G— 3G3.] 


ODYSSEY.  XVII. 


239 


lint  the  fate  of  black  death  laid  hold  of  Argus  immediately 
when  he  saw  Ulysses  in  the  twentieth  year.  Jjut  godlike  Te- 
lemachus  much  the  first  beheld  the  swine-herd  coming  to  the 
house :  and  then  he  quickly  nodded  calling  [him]  to  him  :  but 
he  looking  about  took  a  seat  that  lay  there,  where  the  carver 
sat,  distributing  much  meat  to  the  suitors,  who  were  feasting 
in  the  palace.  Taking  it,  he  set  it  down  at  the  table  of  Te- 
lemachus  opposite  to  him :  and  there  he  himself  sat  down : 
and  the  herald,  taking  a  share,  gave  it  to  him,  and  lifted 
bread  out  of  the  basket.  And  Ulysses  entered  the  house 
soon  after  him,  like  unto  a  poor  beggar  and  an  aged  man, 
leaning  upon  a  staff :  and  sad  garments  were  put  around  his 
body :  and  he  sat  down  on  the  ashen  threshold  within  the 
doors,  leaning  against  a  pillar  of  cypress  wood,  which  former¬ 
ly  an  artificer  had  polished  skillfully,  and  had  straightened 
according  to  a  plumb-line.^^  But  Telemachus,  calling  the 
swine-herd  to  him,  addressed  him,  taking  also  a  whole  loaf 
from  the  beautiful  basket,  and  meat,  as  much  as  his  hands 
were  extended  when  he  put  them  round  it: 

“  Give  these  to  the  stranger,  bearing  [them  to  him] :  and 
order  him  to  beg,  going  about  to  all  the  suitors  ;  shame  is  not 
good  for  a  beggar  in  need.” 

Thus  he  spoke;  but  the  swine-herd  went,  when  he  heard 
what  was  said,  and  standing  near  addressed  to  him  winged 
words :  “  O  stranger,  Telemachus  gives  thee  this,  and  orders 
thee  to  beg,  going  about  to  all  the  suitors :  and  he  says  that 
shame  is  not  good  for  a  beggar.” 

But  him  much-planning  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer  :  “  O 
king  Jove,  that  Telemachus  may  be  happy  among  men,  and 
may  all  things  succeed  for  him,  whatever  he  meditates  in  his 
mind.” 

He  spoke,  and  received  it  in  both  [his  hands],  and  laid  it 
down  there,  before  his  feet,  on  his  unseemly  satchel.  And  he 
ate  while  the  bard  was  singing  in  the  palace ;  but  when  he 
had  done  feasting,  the  divine  bard  ceased.  And  the  suitors 
made  a  clamor  in  the  palace ;  but  Minerva,  standing  near,  in¬ 
cited  Ulysses,  the  son  of  Laertes,  that  he  might  collect  meal- 
cakes  among  the  suitors,  and  that  he  might  know  who  were 
just,  and  who  lawless.  But  not  even  thus  was  she  about  to 

1  Ilesych.  ardO^t],  airdprog,  tv  y  ciTropOovciv  ol  TtKTOveQ.  See  also 
the  Sclioi.  on.  11.  O.  410,  and  Suiclas,  s.  v. 


240 


ODYSSEY.  XVII. 


[3G4— 403. 


free  any  one  from  evil.’®  And  he  set  ont  on  the  right  liaud 
to  beg  of  every  man,  stretching  out  his  hand  every  where,  as 
if  he  were  a  beggar  of  old.  But  thej",  pitying  him,  bestowed 
on  him,  and  were  astonished  at  him  *,  and  asked  of  one  anoth¬ 
er,  who  he  was,  and  whence  he  came.  But  them  Melanthiu.", 
the  goat-herd,  [thus]  addressed  : 

“Hear  me,  ye  suitors  of  the  illustrious  queen,  with  regard 
to  this  stranger :  for  I  have  seen  him  before.  The  SAvine-herd 
forsooth  brought  him  hither;  but  I  do  not  dearly  know  him- 
from  whence  he  boasts  his  race  to  be.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  Antinous  rebuked  the  swine-herd  with 
words:  “O  notorious  SAvine-herd,  why  didst  thou  bring  him 
to  the  city  ?  have  Ave  not  enough  of  Avanderers,  and  other  sor¬ 
did  beggars,  the  destroyers  of  banquets  ?  dost  thou  profit  at 
all,  that  assembled  here  they  consume  the  property  of  th}' 
master  ?  and  from  Avhence  didst  thou  invite  him  V* 

But  him  thou  didst  address  in  ansAA^er,  O  SAvine-lierd  Eu' 
mceus:  “O  Antinous,  although  thou  art  good,  thou  dost  not 
speak  honorable  things :  for  Avho,  Avhen  he  himself  come? 
from  elscAvliere,  invites  another  stranger,  except  [one]  of  thosor 
Avho  are  public  officers?  a  prophet,  or  curer  of  ills,  or  car' 
penter  of  planks,  or  even  a  divine  bard,  Avho  may  delight 
them,  singing?  for  these  mortals  OA’er  the  boundless  earth  are 
invited  no  one  Avould  invite  a  beggar,  Avho  Avill  devour  him 
himself  But  thou  art  ahvays,  above  all  the  suitors,  severe  tc> 
the  sei’A^ants  of  Ulysses,  and  especially  to  me ;  but  I  care  not, 
so  long  as  prudent  Penelope  and  godlike  Telemachus  live  iif 
the  palace.” 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  ansAvered  in  turn  :  “Be  si 
lent,  do  not  ansAA^cr  him  much  Avith  AA^ords.  But  Antinous  i? 
ever  accustomed  to  contend  evilly  Avith  bitter  avoixIs,  and  he 
encourages  others  also.” 

He  spoke,  and  to  Antinous  addressed  Avinged  Avords  :  “  (? 
Antinous,  thou  takest  good  care  of  me,  as  a  father  of  Ids  son. 
thou  Avho  commandest  me  to  send  a  stranger  from  the  palace 
by  a  violent  speech  ;  may  not  the  deity  bring  this  to  pass, 
d'ake  and  give  to  him  :  I  grudge  it  not :  for  1  advise  it.  Nor 
in  this  regard  my  mother,  nor  any  other  of  the  servants,  Avho 
arr  ill  the  house  of  divine  Ulysses.  But  thou  liast  no  such 

i.  e.  from  the  death  that  awaited  them. 

i.  e.  Avelcome.  Cf.  Plato,  Symj)Os.  ]».  115,  G. 


ioa— 442.J 


ODYSSEY.  XVIE 


241 


thought  in  thy  breast ;  for  thou  desirest  thyself  to  eat,  much 
rather  than  to  give  to  another.” 

But  him  Anlinous  addressed  in  answer :  “  Telemachus, 
thou  lofty  speaker,  intolerable  in  might,  what  hast  thou  said  ? 
if  all  the  suitors  were  to  bestow  so  much  on  him,  the  house 
would  keep  him  at  a  distance  even  for  three  months. 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  and  taking  a  footstool  lying  under  the  table, 
he  showed  it,  upon  which  he  placed  his  soft  feet,  when  ban¬ 
queting.  But  all  the  others .  gave  [to  him],  and  filled  his 
satchel  with  bread  and  meat :  and  Ulysses,  again  going  to  the 
threshold,  was  now  about  to  taste  the  bounty  of  the  Greeks ; 
but  he  stood  near  Antinous,  and  addressed  discourse  to  him : 

“  Give,  O  friend ;  thou  dost  not  appear  to  me  to  be  the 
worst  of  the  Grecians,  but  the  best,  since  thou  art  like  unto  a 
king :  therefore  it  behooves  thee  to  give  something  better  than 
the  others,  [something  better]  than  bread :  and  I  would  cele¬ 
brate  thee  over  the  boundless  earth.  For  I  also  once  happy 
inhabited  an  opulent  house  among  men,  and  oftentimes  gave 
to  such  a  wanderer,  whatever  kind  of  man  ho  might  be,  and 
whatever  he  came  in  need  of.  And  I  had  great  numbers  of 
servants,  and  other  things,  by  which  men  live  well,  and  are 
called  opulent :  but  Jove,  the  son  of  Saturn,  was  my  ruin  (for 
he  somehow  willed  it),  who  sent  mo  with  much-wandering 
robbers  to  go  to  Egypt,  a  long  journey,  that  I  might  perish: 
but  I  stationed  in  the  river  Egyptus  the  ships  rowed  on  both 
sides.  Then  indeed  I  bade  my  beloved  companions  remain 
there  near  the  shi[)S,  and  draw  up  the  ships ;  and  I  urged 
watches  to  go  to  places  of  looking  out.  But  they,  yielding  to 
insolence,  and  drawn  on  by  their  own  spirit,  very  quickly  laid 
waste  the  most  beautiful  fields  of  the  Egyptians,  and  took 
away  their  wives,  and  infant  clijldren,  and  slew  them  :  but  an 
alarm  soon  reached  the  city ;  and  they,  hearing  the  clamor, 
came  together  with  the  shining  morn ;  and  the  whole  plain 
was  filled  with  foot  and  horse,  and  the  glittering  of  brass: 
but  thunder-rejoicing  Jove  infused  evil  panic  into  my  com¬ 
panions  ;  nor  did  any  one  dare  to  remain  opposed  to  them ; 
for  evils  stood  around  them  on  every  side.  There  they  slew 
many  of  us  with  the  sharp  brass,  and  led  some  away  alive,  to 

i.  0.  he  \YOuld  get  such  a  beating,  that  he  would  be  afraid  to  come 
egain.  Eust.  Or,  as  one  Schol.  says,  “  He  would  get  enough  good 
living  to  kee])  him  from  the  house  for  lliree  months.” 


242 


ODYSSEY.  XVII. 


[44.3—4 


work  for  ll'.cm  by  necessity.  But  me  they  gave  to  a  stranger 
who  met  tliem  [to  take  to]  Cyprus,  Uemctor,  son  of  lasus, 
who  reigned  by  his  might  over  Cyprus.  From  thence  1  am 
now  come  hither  to  this  place,  suffering  harm.” 

But  him  Antinous  answered  and  addressed  in  turn  :  “  AVliat 
deity  brought  this  pest  to  [us],  a  trouble  ol  our  feast?  Stand 
out,  then,  in  the  middle  far  off*  from  my  table,  lest  soon  thou 
shouldst  reach  a  bitter  Egypt  and  Cyprus :  since  thou  art 
some  daring  and  shameless  beggar.  Thou  standest  near  all 
Ill  their  turn  ;  but  they  foolishly  give  to  thee :  since  there  is 
no  restraint,  nor  commiseration  to  give  of  another’s  property, 
since  each  has  much.” 

But  him  much-planning  Ulysses,  or.  retiring,  addressed : 
“Alas!  thou  hast  not  a  mind  in  addition  to  thy  beauty  of 
form  :  thou  wouldst  not  give  even  a  grain  of  salt  from  thine 
house  to  thine  own  suppliant,  thou,  who  now  sitting  down  at 
another  man’s  [table],  hast  not  had  the  heart  to  give  some 
bread  to  mo,  taking  it  away :  but  thou  hast  much  before  thee.” 

Thus  ho  spoke ;  but  Antinous  was  still  more  wrathful  at 
lieart,  and  looking  sternly  upon  him,  he  addressed  to  him 
winded  words:  “Now  indeed  I  no  longer  think  that  thou 
wilt  retire  well  through  out  of  the  palace,  since  thou  now 
speakest  reproachful  things.” 

Thus  he  spoke :  and  taking  a  foot-stool,  he  struck  his  (Ulys¬ 
ses's)  right  shoulder  at  the  bottom,  on  the  back  :  but  he  stood 
firm,  as  a  rock  ;  nor  did  the  weapon  of  Antinous  cause  him 
to  stumble,  but  in  silence  lie  moved  his  head,  deeply  devising 
evils ;  and  going  back  to  the  threshold,  lie  sat  down,  and  put 
down  his  well-iilled  satchel;  and  addressed  the  suitors: 

“  Hear  me,  ye  suitors  of  the  illustrious  cpieen,  while  I  speak 
the  things  which  the  mind  in  liiy  breast  commands  me.  There 
is  no  sorrow  in  one’s  mind,  nor  grief  at  all,  when  a  man  fight¬ 
ing  for  his  own  possessions  is  stricken,  either  for  his  oxen,  or 
white  sheep:  but  Antinous  struck  me  on  account  of  my  sad 
belly,  pernicious,  which  gives  many  evils  to  men.  But  if 
there  are  any  where  gods  and  Erinnyes  of  ])Oor  men,  may  the 
end  of  death  reach  him  before  his  marriage.” 

But  him  Antinous,  son  of  Eupithes,  addressed  in  turn  :  “  P?at 
quiet,  O  stranger,  sitting  down,  or  go  away  elsewhere ;  lest 
young  men  drag  thee  through  the  house  (such  things  thou  speak¬ 
est  !)  either  by  the  foot,  or  by  the  hand,  and  Hay  thee  entirely.” 


481—522.] 


ODYSSEY.  XVII. 


243 


Thus  he  spoke:  but  they  were  all  excessively  indignant; 
and  thus  some  one  of  the  proud  youths  spoke  :  “  Antinous,  not 
well  didst  thou  hurl  at  the  wretched  wanderer,  O  thou  doomed 
to  destruction,  if  there  is  any  god  in  heaven.  For  the  gods,  like 
unto  foreign  strangers,  being  [seen]  in  all  forms,  go  about  cit¬ 
ies,  looking  into  the  insolence  and  the  good  'conduct  of  men.” 

Thus  spoke  the  suitors,  but  he  heeded  not  their  words.  And 
Telemachus  cherished  ^reat  grief  in  his  heart  for  him  that 
was  stricken,  nor  did  he  shed  a  tear  from  his  eyelids  on  the 
ground,  but  he  moved  his  head  in  silence,  deeply  devising  evils. 

When  then  prudent  Penelope  heard  of  him  that  was 
stricken  in  the  palace,  she  spoke  to  her  handmaidens :  “  So 
may  bow-renowned  Apollo  strike  thee  thyself.”  But  her  the 
housekeeper  Eurynome  addressed  in  turn : 

Ay,  if  an  end  were  made  to  our  prayers,  no  one  of  these 
W'ould  reach  the  beautiful-throned  morn.” 

But  her  prudent  Penelope  addressed  in  turn:  “Nurse, 
they  are  all  hateful,  since  they  contrive  evils:  but  Antinous 
is  especially  like  unto  black  Fate.  Some  unhappy  stranger 
is  wandei'ing  thi-ough  the  house,  asking  alms  of  the  men  ; 
(for  need  ordered  him  ;)  there  all  the  others  filled  [his  satch¬ 
el]  and  gave  to  him  ;  but  he'^^  with  a  foot-stool  struck  his 
right  shoulder  at  the  bottom.” 

Thus  she  spoke  among  her  women  servants,  sitting  in  the 
chamber;  but  divine  Ulysses  feasted:  and  she  having  called 
the  divine  swine-herd  to  her,  addressed  him  : 

“  Come,  O  divine  Eumceus,  going  desire  the  stranger  to  come, 
that  I  may  converse  somewhat  with  him,  and  inquire,  wheth¬ 
er  he  has  eitljer  heard  of  patient  Ulysses,  or  beheld  him  with 
his  eyes :  for  he  is  like  unto  one  who  has  wandered  much.” 

But  her  thou  didst  address  in  answer,  O  swine-herd  Eumm- 
us :  “If  indeed,  O  queen,  the  Grecians  would  be  silent,  such 
things  as  he  relates  would  soothe  thy  dear  heart.  For  I  had 
him  for  three  nights,  and  detained  him  three  days  in  my  lodge 
(for  he  came  to  me  first,  having  escaped  from  the  ship) ;  but 
lie  has  not  yet  finished  relating  his  misfortunes.  And  as  when 
a  man  looks  upon  a  bard,  wdio  from  the  gods  skillfully  sings 
verses  delightful  to  mortals,  and  they  desire  to  hear  his  voice 
without  ceasing,  when  he  sings ;  so  he,  sitting  near  me  in  my 
house,  soothed  me.  And  he  says  that  he  is  an  ancestral  friend 

**  i.  c.  Antinous. 


244 


ODYSSEY.  XVII. 


[522— 5G8. 


of  Ulysse.s,  dwelling  in  Crete,  where  is  the  race  of  Minos. 
He  now  indeed  came  hither  from  tlience,  suffering  harm,  roll¬ 
ing  onward  from  plaee  to  place  and  he  persists  in  (say¬ 
ing)  that  he  heard  of  Ulysses  being  alive,  in  a  rich  people 
near  the  Thesprotians ;  and  he  brings  many  treasures  home.” 

But  him  prudent  Penelope  addressed  in  turn  :  “  Come,  call 
him  hither,  that  he  himself  may  speak  in  my  presence.  But 
let  these,  either  sitting  at  the  doors,  or  here  in  the  house,  de¬ 
light  themselves;  since  their  mind  is  glad.  For  their  pos¬ 
sessions  lie  uninjured  in  their  houses,  bread  and  sweet  wine, 
these  their  servants  eat:  but  they,  frequenting  our  house  all 
their  days,  sacrificing  oxen  and  sheep,  and  fat  goats,  are 
feasting  and  drinking  dark  wine  vainly  :  and  many  things 
are  consumed;  for  there  is  no  man  present,  such  as  Ulysses 
was,  to  ward  off  hostility  from  the  house.  But  if  Ulysses 
should  come  and  reach  his  paternal  land,  soon  would  he  with 
his  .son  be  revenged  upon  the  violence  of  men.” 

Thus  she  spoke,  but  Telemachus  sneezed  loudly,  and  the 
house  resounded  violently  around  :  but-  l^enelope  laughed, 
and  quickly  to  Eummus  addressed  winged  words: 

Come,  call  the  stranger  hither  to  my  presence.  Dost 
thou  not  see,  that  my  son  has  sneezed  to  all  my  words? 
Therefore  may  there  be  no  imperfect  death  to  all  the  suitors, 
nor  may  any  one  escape  death  and  the  Fates.  But  I  tell 
thee  something  else,  and  do  thou  lay  it  up  in  thy  mind,  if  I 
know  that  he  speaks  all  things  true,  I  will  put  a  cloak  on 
him,  and  a  tunic,  beautiful  garments.” 

Thus  she  spoke ;  and  the  swine-herd  w'ent,  w'hcn  he  heard 
her  discourse:  and  standing  near  him,  addressed  winged 
words : 

“  O  father  stranger,  prudent  Penelope,  the  mother  of  Te¬ 
lemachus,  calls  thee ;  her  mind  exhorts  her  to  make  some  in¬ 
quiries  concerning  her  husband,  although  she  suffers  griefs. 
But  if  she  knows  that  thou  speakest  all  things  true,  she  will 
put  a  cloak  on  thee,  and  a  tunic,  of  which  thou  art  most  in 
need  ;  and  begging  bread  throughout  the  people,  thou  wilt 
feed  thy  belly ;  and  whoever  chooses  will  give  to  thee.” 

But  him  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  addressed  in  turn  : 

O  Fimumus,  soon  will  1  tell  all  things  true  to  prudent  Pe¬ 
nelope,  daughter  of  Icarus.  For  I  know  well  concerning  him, 

See  Scholiast. 


564— COl.] 


ODYSSEY.  XVir. 


245 


and  we  have  undergone  the  same  toil.  But  I  dread  the  crowd 
of  cruel  suitors,  whose  insolence  and  violence  reaches  the  steely 
heaven.  For  even  now  when  this  man  striking  me,  as  I  was 
going  through  the  house,  Avhen  1  had  done  no  harm,  gave  me 
pain,  neither  did  Telemachus  nor  any  other  ward  off  this. 
Now  therefore  desire  Penelope  to  remain  in  the  palace,  al¬ 
though  anxious,  until  sunset :  and  then  let  her  ask  me  con¬ 
cerning  the  return  of  her  husband,  having  made  me  sit  down 
nearer  before  the  fire  ;  for  I  have  had  sad  garments ;  and  thou 
thyself  knowest  it,  since  I  first  entreated  thee.” 

Thus  he  spoke.  And  the  swine-herd  went,  when  he  heard 
his  discourse,  and  Penelope  addressed  him  as  he  was  going 
over  the  threshold : 

“Dost  thou  not  bring  him,  O  Eumaeus?  what  is  this  the 
wanderer  has  thought  of?  whether  fearing  any  one  greatly  ? 
or  in  any  other  way  has  he  awe  in  the  palace?  but  bad  is  a 
modest  beegar.” 

But  her  tliou  didst  address  in  answer,  O  swine-herd  Eu* 
maeus :  “  He  speaks  rightly,  as  another  also  would  think, 

shunning  the  insolence  of  haughty  men.  But  he  desires  thee 
to  wait  until  sunset.  And  thus  it  is  much  better  for  thyself, 
O  queen,  to  speak  to  the  stranger  alone,  and  to  listen  to  him.” 

But  him  prudent  Penelope  addressed  in  turn  :  “  Tlie  stran¬ 
ger  docs  not  appear  to  be  foolish,  whoever  he  may  be ;  for 
not  any  where  do  any  men  among  mortal  men  thus  insolent 
contrive  infatuate  deeds.” 

Thus  she  spoke  ;  and  the  divine  swine-herd  went  to  the 
crowd  of  suitors,  when  he  had  informed  [lier  of]  all  things. 
And  lie  immediately  to  Telemachus  addressed  winged  words, 
holding  hirt  head  near  him,  that  the  others  might  not  hear: 

“  O  friend,  I  am  going  away,  to  guard  the  swine  and  other 
things,  yours  and  my  livelihood  :  but  let  all  things  here  be  thy 
care.  First  preserve  thyself,  and  consider  in  thy  mind,  that 
thou  dost  not  suffer  any  thing  :  for  many  of  the  Grecians  devise 
evil  things;  whom  may  Jove  destroy,  before  harm  befall  us.” 

But  him  prudent  d'elemachus  answered  in  turn  :  “  So  shall 
it  be,  father;  but  do  thou  go  when  thou  hast  spent  the  after¬ 
noon  here;23  but  in  the  morning  come,  and  bring  beautiful 
sacrifices,  but  all  these  things  shall  be  a  care  to  me  and  the 
immortals.” 

I  am  indebted  to  Buttm.  Lexil.  p.  229,  sq.  and  the  Schol. 


246 


ODYSSEY.  XVIII.  [002— GOG.  xviii.  1—16. 


Tims  lie  spoke ;  and  he  sat  down  again  on  a  well-polished 
seat,  and  having  satiated  his  mind  with  eating  and  drinking, 
he  went  to  the  swine  :  and  he  left  the  inclosures  and  the  pal¬ 
ace  full  of  feasters ;  but  they  were  delighted  with  the  danca 
and  the  song ;  for  afternoon"'^^  had  now  coiue  on. 


BOOK  X  y  I  I  I. 


ARGUMENT. 

While  Ulysses  is  bep;ging  among  the  suitors,  another  beggar  named  Inis 
comes  ;  they  fight,  and  the  latter  is  conquered  by  a  single  blow.  Hav¬ 
ing  cast  out  Irus,  Ulysses  threatens  Amphinomus  with  vengeance,  as¬ 
serting  that  the  king  will  shortly  appear.  Penelope  comes  to  the  suit¬ 
ors,  and  reminds  them  of  the  presents  she  ought  to  receive  from  each ; 
and  they  accordingly  send  their  servants  for  presents.  Eurymachus 
casts  a  stool  at  Ulysses,  which  hits  the  cup-bearer ;  a  confusion  ensues, 
and  the  suitors  depart  to  their  own  dwellings. 

And  there  also^  came  a  public  beggar,  who  begged  through 
the  city  of  Ithaca,  and  he  surpassed  others-  in  his  raving  bel¬ 
ly,  to  eat  and  drink  without  ceasing:^  nor  had  he  might  or 
force  ;  but  he  was  very  hirge  in  form  to  behold.  And  Amar¬ 
us  was  his  name  ;  for  this  his  venerable  mother  gave  him  from 
his  birth :  but  all  the  young  men  called  him  Irus,  because  he 
went  as  a  messenger,'^  whenever  any  one  ordered  him  any 
where.  Who  coming  wished  to  drive  Ulysses  from  his  own 
house,  and  chiding  him,  he  spoke  winged  words : 

“Go,  old  man,  from  the  portico,  lest  thou  soon  be  drawn 
by  the  foot :  dost  not  thou  perceive  that  all  are  winking  at 
me,  and  desire  me  to  drag  thee  out?  but  I  however  am 
ashamed.  Hut  rise,  lest  soon  between  us  there  be  contention 
even  with  our  hands.” 

But  him  much-planning  Ulysses  regarding,  sternly  ad¬ 
dressed  ;  “  Sirrah,  1  neither  do  nor  speak  any  evil  to  thee, 
nor  do  I  grudge  that  any^  one  should  give  to  thee,  although 

See  Buttm.  ibid.  *  IttI  =  besides  Ulvsses. 

•> 

“  The  notion  of  “others”  is  implied  in  ptro. 

’  Ilesych.  dnivtKEQ,  aduiXeiirrov.  Tlie  word  also  means  dr^, 

parched.  Cf.  Alberti,  t.  i.  ]).  1 19,  intpp.  on  Apoll.  Khod.  ii.  99. 

*  “  Verte  :  quia  pro  nuncio  ibat.  Irus  ergo  sonat  nuncium,  atque  Iris 
ergo  nunciam.”  Erncsti.  Cf.  Alberti  on  Hcsych.  t.  ii.  p.  71. 


17—49.] 


ODYSSEY.  XVIII. 


247 


thou  receivest  much.  Tliis  threshold  will  contain  us  both; 
nor  is  it  fit  that  thou  shouldst  grudge  what  belongs  to  others  ; 
but  thou  seemest  to  me  to  be  a  wanderer,  even  as  I ;  but  the 
gods  have  the  power  to  bestow  wealth.^  But  do  not  challenge 
me  too  much  to  [strife  of]  hands,  lest  thou  shouldst  make 
me  wroth,  lest,  although  being  aged,  I  shall  defile  thy  breast 
and  lips  with  blood  ;  and  to-morrow  there  would  be  still  more 
quiet  for  me  :  for  I  do  not  at  all  think  that  thou  wilt  return 
a  second  time  to  the  house  of  Ulysses,  son  of  Laertes.’’ 

But  him  the  wanderer  Irus  enraged  addressed:  “O  gods! 
how  glibly  this  gluttonous  fellow  harangues,  like  unto  an 
old  woman  covered  with  soot against  whom  I  would  devise 
evil,  smiting  him  with  both  [hands],  and  would  drive  all  the 
teeth  out  of  his  jaws  iq^on  the  ground,  as  of  a  swine  that  eats 
the  wheat  in  the  field.  Now  gird  thyself,  that  all  these  may 
behold  us  fighting ;  but  how  wouldst  thou  contend  with  a 
younger  man  V’ 

Thus  they  before  the  lofty  gates  on  the  polished  threshold 
were  irritated  [each  other]  with  all  their  mind.  And  the 
sacred  might  of  Antinous  set  them  twain  together,  and  laugh' 
ing  out  pleasantly,  he  addressed  the  suitors : 

“O  friends,  such  a  thing  has  never  before  been  done: 
what  a  delight  has  the  deity  brought  to  this  house  I  The 
strano-er  and  Irus  are  contending  with  one  another,  so  as  to 
come  to  blows  with  their  hands ;  and  we  will  soon  set  them 
together.” 

Thus  he  spoke;  and  they  all  rose  up  laughing;  and  they 
formed  a  ring  round  the  ill-clad  beggars.  And  them  Anti- 
nous,  son  of  Eupithes,  addressed  : 

“  Hear  me,  noble  suitors,  while  I  say  something.  These 
paunches  of  goats  are  cooking  on  the  fire  ;  and  having  filled 
them  with  fat  and  blood,  we  lay  them  aside  for  supper :  but 
whichever  conquers,  and  is  the  superior,  let  him,  rising  up, 
take  whichever  of  them  he  chooses ;  and  afterward  he  shall 
always  feast  among  us,  nor  will  wc  suffer  any  other  beggar 
to  come  among  us  to  ask  alms.’’ 

®  This  seems  the  best  way  of  expressing  fdWovenv  ottu^elv.  INIr. 
Diirges  would  render  it,  “delay  to  give,”  quoting  Orest.  420,  MeXXft  ra 
dtXov  y  t(TTL  roiovrov  (pvaei. 

®  Perhai)s,  “an  old  cinder-wench.”  See  Eustathius,  with  Ilesych.  t 
i.  p.  858,  and  t.  ii.  }).  132. 


248 


ODYSSEY.  XVIII. 


[50—85. 


Thus  spoke  Aiilinous ;  and  liis  discourse  pleased  them. 
15ut  them  much-planning  Ulysses,  thinking  cunningly,  ad¬ 
dressed  :  , 

“  0  friends,  it  is  not  possible  for  an  old  man,  spent  with 
toil,  to  fight  with  a  younger  man  ;  but  my  ill- working  belly 
excites  me,  that  I  should  be  subdued  by  blows.  But  come 
now,  all  of  you  swear  a  strong  oath  to  me,  that  no  one  grati¬ 
fying  Irus  will  wickedly  strike  me  with  his  stout  hand,  and 
violently  subdue  me  for  him.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  and  they  all  swore  that  they  would  not 
[do  so],  as  he  desired  them.  But  when  they  had  sworn,  and 
had  concluded  the  oath,  them  the  sacred  might  of  Tclema- 
chus  addressed  in  turn  : 

‘‘  O  stranger,  if  thy  heart  and  noble  mind  incites  thee  to 
drive  him  out,  do  not  fear  any  one  else  of  the  Grecians : 
since  whoever  strikes  thee  will  contend  with  greater  num¬ 
bers.  I  am  the  host,  and  the  kings  Eurymachus  and  Anti- 
nous,  both  prudent  men,  agree  with  me.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  and  they  all  approved  :  but  Ulysses  gird¬ 
ed  his  middle  around  with  rags,  and  showed  his  beautiful  and 
large  thighs ;  and  his  broad  shoulders,  and  breast,  and  strong 
arms  appeared:  but  Minerva,  standing  near  him,  increased 
the  limbs  of  the  shepherd  of  the  people.  And  all  the  suitors 
were  excessively  astonished,  and  thus  some  one  said,  looking 
to  another  near  him: 

“  Soon  indeed  will  Irus,  unhappily  so  called,"  have  evil 
drawn  on  himself,  such  a  thigh  does  the  old  man  show  from 
out  his  rags.” 

Thus  they  spoke;  but  the  mind  of  Irus  was  sadly  moved, 
but  even  so  the  attendants,  having  girded  him,  brought  him 
by  force,  although  afraid :  and  his  flesh  trembled  on  his 
limbs.  But  Antinous  chided  him,  and  spoke  and  said : 

Now,  O  mighty  boaster,®  inayest  thou  no  longer  live,  or 
exist,  if  indeed  thou  tremblest  at  and  greatly  fearest  this  old 
man,  overcome  with  the  toil  wdiich  comes  upon  him.  But  I 
tell  thee  plainly,  and  this  shall  be  accomplished  ;  if  he  con¬ 
quers  thee,  and  is  superior  to  thee,  I  will  send  thee  to  Epirus, 

’  Literally,  “Irus  no-Irus. ” 

®  From  I3ovq  =  great,  large  (see  note  on  JEsclu  Ag.  p.  9(>,  n.  7,  ctl. 
Bolin),  and  yaiio  or  yuio  =  to  boast,  brag.  Cf.  Apollon.  Lex.  s.  v.  .and 
Ilesycli.  jSovyaiov,  fucyaXuig  i<p’  tavn^  yavpiiovra. 


81—120.] 


ODYSSEY.  XVIII. 


240 


casting  you  into  a  black  ship,  to  king  Echetus,  the  injurer  of 
all  mortals ;  who  will  cut  off  thy  nose  and  ears  with  the  cruel 
brass,  and  drawing  out  tliy  privy  parts,  will  give  them  raw 
to  the  dogs  to  feed  upon.” 

Thus  he  spoke  :  but  trembling  still  more  seized  upon  his 
limbs:  and  they  brought  him  into  a  middle  spot,  and  both 
held  up  their  hands.  Then  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses 
meditated,  whether  he  should  strike  him  so  that  life  should 
leave  him  falling  there  ;  or  should  strike  him  lightly,  and  pros¬ 
trate  him  on  the  earth.  And  thus  to  him  considering  it  seemed 
to  be  better  to  strike  him  lightly,  that  the  Grecians  might  not 
have  any  notion  of  liim.^  Then  both  uplifting  [their  hands], 
Irus  struck  him  on  his  right  shoulder  ;  but  he  struck  his  neck 
under  the  ear,  and  broke  his  bones  within  :  and  the  purple 
blood  immediately  came  through  his  mouth,  and  he  fell  stretch¬ 
ed  in  the  dust  groaning,  and  gnashed  his  teeth  together,  kick¬ 
ing  the  earth  with  his  feet :  but  the  noble  suitors  lifting  up 
their  hands  were  ready  to  die  with  laughter;  but  Ulysses,  tak¬ 
ing  him  by  the  foot,  dragged  him  through  out  of  ihe  portico, 
until  he  reached  the  court  and  the  doors  of  the  portico ;  and 
he  set  him  down,  reclining  him  against  the  fence  of  the  court ; 
and  he  put  his  staff  in  his  hand,  and  addressing  him,  spoke 
winged  words: 

“Sit  now  here,  and  keep  off  the  dogs  and  swine;  nor  do 
thou,  being  a  pitiful  W’retch,  be  the  prince  of  strangers  and  beg*^ 
gars,  lest  by  chance  thou  shouldst  reap  some  even  greater  evil.’’ 

He  spoke ;  and  threw  his  unseemly  satchel  around  his 
shoulders,  very  tattered  ;  and  there  wais  a  twisted  cord  to  hold 
it.’®  And  going  back  to  the  threshold,  he  sat  down  ;  but  they 
went  within  laughing  pleasantly,  and  greeted  him  with  wmrds : 

“May  Jove  and  the  other  immortal  gods  grant  thee,  O 
stranger,  wdiatever  thou  most  desirest,  and  is  dear  to  thy 
mind,  thou,  wdio  hast  made  this  insatiable  fellow  cease  to  beg 
among  the  people ;  for  avc  wall  soon  take  him  over  to  Epirus, 
to  king  Echetus,  the  injurer  of  all  mortals.” 

Thus  they  spoke  ;  but  divine  Ulysses  rejoiced  in  the  omen ; 
and  Antinous  placed  a  large  paunch  near  him,  full  of  fat  and 
blood  ;  and  Amphinornus,  taking  tw^o  loaves  out  of  a  basket, 
placed  them  near  him,  and  pledged  him  with  a  golden  cup, 
and  spoke : 

®  i.  c.  guess  who  he  really  W'as. 

L  2 


°  See  on  xvii.  190. 


2oO 


ODYSSEY.  XVIII. 


[121—150. 


‘‘  Hail,  father  stranger !  may  there  be  happiness  for  thee 
hereafter,  but  now  thou  art  ])0ssessed  by  many  ills.” 

But  him  much-planning  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer:  “O 
Amphinoinus,  thou  seemest  to  me  to  be  very  prudent :  for 
[thou  art]  of  such  a  sire :  since  1  have  heard  his  excellent  re¬ 
nown,  that  he  is  Dulichian  Nisus,  both  brave  and  opulent : 
from  him  they  say  that  thou  art  born ;  but  thou  art  like  unto 
an  eloquent  man.  Therefore  I  tell  thee  ;  and  do  thou  consid¬ 
er  it,  and  listen  to  me.  The  earth  nourishes  nothing  weaker 
than  man,  of  all  the  things,  whatever  breathe  and  creep  upon 
the  earth.  For  he  says  that  he  shall  never  suffer  any  ill  here¬ 
after,  while  the  gods  give  him  excellence,  and  his  knees  move ; 
but  when  the  blessed  gods  bring  to  pass  grievous  things  also, 
then  he  bears  them  too,  unwillingly,  with  a  suffering  mind. 
For  such  is  the  mind  of  men  upon  the  earth,  as  is  the  day 
which  the  father  of  men  and  of  "ods  brings  on.^^  For  I  once 
was  prosperous  among  men,  and  did  many  infatuate  things, 
yielding  to  violence  and  strength,  trusting  in  my  father  and 
my  brothers.  Tlierefore  let  not  any  man  be  at  all  lawless,  but 
let  him  in  silence  keep  the  gifts  of  the  gods,  wliatever  they 
give  him.  What  impious  things  I  perceive  the  suitors  de¬ 
vising,  wasting  tlie  possessions  and  dishonoring  the  wife  of  a 
man,  whom  I  do  not  think  will  be  lon^  absent  from  his  friends 
and  his  paternal  land;  but  [he  is]  very  near!  yet  may  the 
deity  take  thee  out  away  homeward  in  secret,  nor  inayest 
thou  meet  him,  when  he  returns  to  his  dear  paternal  land ; 
for  I  do  not  think  that  the  suitors  and  he  will  separate  with¬ 
out  blood,  when  he  comes  under  the  roof.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  and  having  poured  out  a  libation,  he  drank 
sweet  wine:  and  again  he  placed  the  cup  in  the  hands  of  the 
leader  of  the  people.  But  he  went  through  the  house,  griev¬ 
ing  in  his  dear  heart,  nodding  with  his  head:  for  his  mind 
already  foreboded.  But  not  thus  did  he  escape  Fate ;  for 
Minerva  bound  him,  so  that  he  should  bo  bravely  overcome 
by  the  hand  and  spear  of  Telemachus.  And  he  sat  down 
again  on  the  throne  from  whence  ho  rose.  But  the  bluo- 

“•  Thus  translated  by  Cfcero  apud  August,  de  Civ.  Dei,  v.  8: 

“Tales  sunt  hominura  mentals,  qualis  pater  ipse 
Jupiter  auctiferus  lustravit  lumine  terras.” 

Cf.  ^lax.  Tyr.  Diss.  i.  ]>.  0,  and  Duport,  Gnom.  Horn.  p.  252,  sq. 


ir>7— 197.] 


ODYSSEY.  XVIII. 


251 


eyed  goddess  IMiiicrva  put  it  in  the  mind  of  the  daugliter  of 
Icarus,  prudent  Penelope'  to  appear  to  the  suitors,  that  as 
much  as  possible  she  might  lay  open  the  mind  of  the  suitors, 
and  be  more  honored  by  her  husband  and  son,  than  she  was 
before.  And  she  laughed  feignedly,  and  spoke  and  said  : 

Eurynome,  my  mind  desires,  though  [it  did  not]  before,  to 
appear  to  the  suitors,  however  detested.  But  I  would  speak 
a  word  to  my  son,  which  would  be  better,  not  altogether  to 
associate  with  the  overbearing  suitors,  who  speak  well  indeed, 
but  intend  evilly  afterward.'’ 

But  her  the  housekeeper  Eurynome  addressed  in  turn  : 
“  Of  a  truth  indeed,  my  child,  thou  hast  spoken  all  these 
things  rightly ;  but  go,  and  tell  thy  son,  nor  conceal  it, 
having  washed  thy  body  and  anointed  thy  cheeks.  Do  not 
go  thus,  defded  as  to  tliy  lace  with  tears;  since  it  is  worse 
to  grieve  forever  without  ceasing.  For  now  thy  son  is  of 
such  an  age,  as  thou  especially  didst  pray  to  the  immor¬ 
tals,  when  he  was  born,  that  thou  shouldst  see  him  Avith  a 
beard.” 

j  “  But  her  prudent  Penelope  addressed  in  turn  :  O  Eury¬ 
nome,  do  not  advise  me  this,  although  anxious  for  mo,  to 
Avash  my  body  and  anoint  myself  Avith  oil:  for  the  gods  Avho 
possess  01ym})us,  have  destroj’ed  my  beauty,  since  he  depart¬ 
ed  in  his  holloAv  ships.  But  command  Autonoe  and  Ilippo- 
damia  to  come  to  me,  that  they  may  stand  near  me  in  the 
palace,  for  I  Avill  not  go  alone  among  men  ;  for  I  am  ashamed.” 

Thus  she  spoke;  and  the  old  Avoman  Avent  through  out  of 
the  ])alace,  to  bear  Avord  to  the  Avomen,  and  to  urge  them  to 
return.  Then  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  meditated  some¬ 
thing  else;  she  shed  sweet  sleej)  upon  the  daughter  of  Ica¬ 
rus,  and  lying  down  she  slumbered,  and  all  her  limbs  Avere 
loosed  tliere  in  the  coucli :  in  the  mean  time  the  divine  one 
of  goddesses  gave  her  immortal  gifts,  that  the  Grecians  miglit 
admire  her :  first  she  anointed  her  beauteous  fiice  Avith  am¬ 
brosial  loveliness,  such  as  that  Avith  Avhich  beautiful-croAvned 
Venus  is  anointed,  Avhen  she  goes  to  the  deliglitful  chorus  of 
the  Graces.  And  she  made  her  taller  and  larger  to  look 
upon :  and  she  made  her  Avhiter  than  saAvn  ivory.  The  di¬ 
vine  one  of  goddesses  tlius  having  done,  departed.  And  the 
white-armed  handmaidens  came  from  the  palace,  talking  as 


252 


ODYSSEY.  XVIII. 


[108 


-Jo;). 


tliey  came  but  sweet  sleep  left  her,  and  she  wiped  her 
cheeks  with  her  hands,  and  spoke  : 

“Truly  a  very  soft  slumber  has  covered  me  who  suffer 
grievous  things ;  would  that  chaste  Diana  would  now  imme¬ 
diately  give  me  as  soft  a  death,  that  no  longer  lamenting  in 
my  mind,  I  might  waste  away  my  life,  regretting  the  various 
excellence  of  a  dear  husband :  since  he  was  conspicuous 
among  the  Grecians.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  she  descended  from  the  splendid’^  up¬ 
per  rooms,  not  alone :  [for]  two  handmaidens  followed  with 
her.  But  when  the  divine  one  of  women  reached  the  suitors, 
she  stood  near  the  pillar  of  the  strong-made  roof,  holding  up 
a  slender  vail  before  her  cheeks :  and  a  prudent  handmaiden 
stood  on  each  side  of  her.  And  their  knees  were  loosed,  and 
their  minds  were  soothed  with  love  ;  and  all  desired  to  lie 
near  her  on  her  couch. 

But  she  then  addressed  her  dear  son  Telemachus  :  “  O  Te- 
lemachus,  no  longer  is  thy  mind  firm,  nor  thy  counsel :  when 
thou  wert  still  a  child,  thou  didst  even  more  meditate  what 
was  profitable  in  thy  mind :  but  now,  when  thou  art  large, 
and  hast  reached  the  measure  of  youth,  and  a  foreign  man 
w'ould  say,  that  thou  art  the  offspring  of  a  happy  man,  look¬ 
ing  at  thy  size  and  beauty;  thy  mind  and  thy  counsel  are  no 
longer  proper.  What  a  deed  is  this  which  has  now  been  done 
in  the  palace,  thou  who  hast  suffered  a  stranger  to  be  treated 
tlius  in  an  unseemly  way?  How  now?  if  any  stranger  sit¬ 
ting  in  our  house,  thus  suffer  from  terrible  violence,  it  would 
be  a  shame  and  disgrace  to  thee  amono;  men.” 

But  her  prudent  dYlemachus  addressed  in  answer:  “jMy 
mother,  I  am  not  indignant  that  thou  shouldst  be  angry;  but 
I  consider  and  know  every  thing  in  my  mind,  both  what  is 
good  and  what  is  worse ;  (but  before  I  was  still  a  babe  :)  but 
I  can  not  perceive  all  things  that  are  prudent ;  for  these 
astound  me,  meditating  evils,  sitting  one  with  another ;  and  I 
have  no  assistants.  The  conflict  however  between  the  stran¬ 
ger  and  Irus  was  not  made  by  the  will  of  the  suitors ;  but  he 
was  superior  in  strength.  Would  that,  O  father  Jove,  and  JNIi- 
nerva,  and  Apollo,  the  suitors  may  now  thus  nod  their  heads, 

Literally,  “coining  ivith  talking.” 

See  note  on  xvi.  445. 


23G— 280.1 


ODYSSEY.  XVin. 


253 


overcome  in  our  palace,  some  in  the  court,  anti  some  within 
the  house,  and  the  limbs  of  each  were  loosed ;  as  now  that 
Irus  sits  at  the  court  gates  nodding  with  his  head,  like  unto 
a  drunken  man,  nor  can  he  stand  upright  on  his  feet,  nor  re¬ 
turn  home,  wherever  he  has  to  return  :  since  his  limbs  arc 
loosed.” 

Thus  then  they  spoke  to  one  another,  but  Eurymachus  ad¬ 
dressed  Penelope  in  words : 

“O  prudent  Penelope,  daughter  of  Icarus,  if  all  the  Gre¬ 
cians  in  lasian  Argos  should  behold  thee,  more  suitors  would 
feast  in  thine  house  in  the  morning,  since  thou  excellest  wo- 
men,  in  form  and  size,  and  equal  mind  within.” 

Put  him  prudent  Penelope  then  answered  :  ‘‘  O  Eurym- 
achus,  the  immortals  indeed  destroyed  my  excellence,  and 
form,  and  person,  when  the  Grecians  embarked  for  Troy  :  and 
among  them  was  my  husband  Ulysses.  If  he  should  come 
and  manage  my  household,  so  would  my  fame  be  greater  and 
more  noble ;  but  now  I  am  grieved,  for  so  many  evils  has  the 
deity  made  to  rush  upon  me.  AVhen  indeed  he  went  away, 
leaving  his  paternal  land,  taking  my  right  hand  by  the  wrist, 
he  addressed  me :  ‘  O  lady,  I  think  not  that  all  the  well- 
greaved  Greeks  will  return  from  Troy  unharmed,  for' they 
say  that  the  Trojans  are  warriors,  both  javelin-men,  and 
drawers  of  arrows,  and  mounters  on  swift-footed  steeds,  who 
would  very  soon  determine  the  great  contest  of  equal  war. 
Therefore  I  know  not,  whether  God  will  let  me  return,  or 
whether  I  shall  be  taken  there  in  Troy :  but  let  all  things 
here  be  a  care  to  thee,  lie  mindful  of  my  father  and  mother 
in  the  palace,  as  now,  or  still  more,  when  I  am  away.  But 
when  thou  seest  our  son  with  a  beard,  marry  whom  thou  wilt, 
leaving  him  in  thine  house.’  Thus  he  spoke  ;  but  all  these 
things  are  now  accomplished.  It  shall  be  night  when  hate¬ 
ful  marriage  shall  meet  with  me  undone  ;  from  whom  Jove 
has  taken  away  fortune.  But  this  severe  grief  comes  upon 
my  heart  and  mind  :  nor  was  this  the  usual  custom  of  suitors 
hitherto,  who  wisli  to  woo  a  good  wife,  and  the  daughter  of  a 
rich  man,  and  contend  with  each  other:  they  indeed  bring 
oxen  and  rich  sheep,  as  a  feast  for  the  friends  of  the  damsel, 
and  give  glorious  gifts ;  but  do  not  consume  the  livelihood  of 
others  with  impunity.” 

Thus  she  s})oke ;  and  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  ro 


254 


ODYSSEY.  XVIII. 


[281-^320. 


joiccd,  because  slic  drew  gifts  from  them,  and  soothed  tlicir 
mind  with  mild  words;  but  his‘^  thoughts  meditated  other 
things. 

But  her  Antinous,  son  of  Eupithes,  addressed  in  turn:  “  0 
prudent  Benelope,  daughter  of  Icarus,  receive  gifts  from  who¬ 
ever  of  the  Greeks  chooses  to  bring  them  hither;  for  it  is 
not  well  to  refuse  a  present.  But  we  will  neither  go  to  our 
employments,  or  any  where  else,  before  thou  art  wedded  to 
whoever  is  the  best  of  the  Grecians.” 

Thus  spoke  Antinous,  and  his  discourse  pleased  them  :  and 
each  sent  a  herald  to  bring  presents.  For  Ai^tinous  indeed, 
he  brought  a  large,  beautiful,  variegated  robe;  and  there 
were  twelve  golden  clasps  in  all  upon  it,  fitted  with  well-bent 
eyes.  And  for  Eurymachus,  he  immediately  brought  a  much- 
variegated  necklace  of  gold  set  with  amber,  like  as  the  sun. 
And  two  servants  brought  ear-rings  for  Eurydamus,  set  with 
triple  eye-like  drops,  beautifully  wrought,  and  much  beauty 
shone  from  them.  And  the  servants  of  Fisander,  tlie  king,  son 
of  Folyctor,  brought  a  collar,  a  very  beautiful  ornament.  And 
ditferent  of  the  Grecians  brought  different  handsome  gifts 
The  divine  one  of  women  then  ascended  to  the  upper  rooms ; 
and  with  her  the  handmaidens  carried  the  very  beautiful  pres¬ 
ents.  But  they  turning  themselves  to  the  dance  and  lovely 
song  were  deliglited  ;  and  they  remained  until  evening  came: 
and  black  evening  came  over  them  while  being  delighted. 
Immediately  they  placed  three  braziers’^  in  the  palace,  that 
they  might  give  light:  and  they  ])ut  dry  wood  around,  dried 
some  time  ago,  very  arid,  lately  cleft  with  brass:  and  they 
mixed  brands  with  them  :  and  the  women-servants  of  patient 
Ulysses  lit  them  up  by  turns;  but  the  noble  much-planning 
Ulysses  himself  addressed  them  : 

“Ye  w'omen-servants  of  Ulysses,  the  long-absent  king,  go 
to  the  house,  where  is  the  venerable  queen  :  and  near  her  turn 
the  distaff*;  and  sitting  in  the  palace,  delight  her,  or  comb  the 
wool  with  your  hands.  But  I  will  give  light  to  all  these. 
For  even  if  they  desire  ’to  wait  till  beautiful-throned  morn, 
they  shall  not  overcome  me  :  for  I  am  able  to  endure  much.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  they  laughed,  and  looked  at  one  am 
other.  But  fair-cheeked  Melantho  chided  him  shamefully s 

It  is  doubtful  whether  the  voog  refers  to  Penelo])e  or  Ulysses. 

See  Loewe.  \af.nrTripar,  taxapag  ptTtoipovg.  Scholiast. 


321—355.] 


ODYSSEY.  XVIII. 


255 


her  Dolius  indeed  begot,  but  Penelope  brought  lier  up,  And 
nurtured  her  as  her  own  child,  and  gave  her  playthings  to  de- 
light  her  mind  :  but  not  even  thus  did  she  possess  the  grief  of 
Penelope  in  her  breast.  Put  she  was  mingled  with  Euryma- 
chus  and  loved  him ;  she  then  chided  Ulysses  with  reproach' 
ful  words  : 

“  Wretched  stranger,  thou  art  some  one  stricken  out  of  thy 
senses  :  thou  dost  not  wish  to  sleep,  going  to  a  brazier's 
house,  or  to  the  public  meeting-place ;  but  here  thou  [boldly 
speakest  much  among  many  men  ;  nor  dost  thou  fear  at  all  in 
thy  mind :  either  wine  has  laid  hold  of  thine  understanding, 
or  thou  hast  always  such  a  disposition,  thou  who  utterest 
vain  words].  Dost  thou  exult  vainly,  because  thou  hast  con¬ 
quered  the  vagrant  Irus  ?  [Take  care],  lest  some  other  bet¬ 
ter  than  Irus  should  soon  rise  up,  who,  cutting  thee  about  th.e 
head  with  his  sturdy  hands,  will  send  thee  out  of  the  house, 
besmearing  thee  with  much  blood.” 

Put  hir  much-planning  Ulysses,  sternly  beholding,  address¬ 
ed  :  “  Surely  I  will  soon  go  thither,  impudent  one,  and  tell 
Telemachus,  what  things  thou  speakest,  that  he  may  forth¬ 
with  cut  thee  up  limb  by  limb.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  terrified^’  the  women  with  his 
words  :  and  they  went  through  the  house  ;  and  the  limbs  of 
each  were  loosed  under  them  through  fear ;  for  they  said 
[within  themselves]  that  he  spoke  truly.  Put  he  stood  look¬ 
ing  upon  all,  giving  light  near  to  the  burning  hearths :  more¬ 
over  his  heart  meditated  in  his  breast  things  which  were  not 
to  be  unaccomplished.  Put  Minerva  did  not  suffer  the  haugh¬ 
ty  suitors  altogether  to  refrain  from  their  mind-paining  inso¬ 
lence,  that  grief  might  still  more  come  upon  the  heart  of  Ulys¬ 
ses,  son  of  Laertes.  And  Eurymachus,  son  of  Polybus,  be¬ 
gan  to  speak  to  them,  scotfing  at  Ulysses  ;  and  he  causcvi 
laughter  among  his  companions. 

Hear  me,  ye  suitors  of  the  illustrious  queen,  while  [  speak 
the  things  which  the  mind  in  my  breast  commands  me.  This 
man  does  not  come  to  the  house  of  Ulysses  without  the  will 
of  some  god  :  to  me  however  the  tlame  of  the  torches  seems 
to  be  from  him,  and  his  head ;  since  he  has  no  hair,  not  even 
a  little.” 

He  spoke,  and  at  the  same  time  addressed  city-destroying 

”  Literally,  ‘fluttered.’' 


256 


ODYSSEY.  XVIII. 


[356—302. 


Ulysses  :  “  Stranger,  art  thou  willing  to  serve,  if  I  would  take 
thee,  at  the  extreme  part  of  the  country  (but  thou  shalt  have 
sufficient  pay),  collecting  heaps  of  stones,  and  planting  tall 
trees  There  indeed  1  would  supply  thee  with  food  for  a 
whole  year,  and  would  put  garments  on  thee,  and  would  give 
thee  sandals  for  thy  feet.  J>ut  since  indeed  thou  hast  learned 
evil  works,  thou  wilt  not  be  willing  to  hasten  to  work  ;  but 
thou  desirest  to  beg  through  the  people,  until  thou  hast  where¬ 
with  to  feed  thine  insatiable  belly.” 

Ilut  him  much -planning  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer: 
“  Eurymachus,  if  there  were  to  be  a  contention  of  work  be¬ 
tween  us  in  the  spring  season,  when  the  days  are  long,  in  the 
grass,  and  I  had  a  well-bent  sickle,  and  thou  also  hadst  such 
an  one,  that  we  might  make  trial  of  our  work,  fasting  until 
dark,  and  there  was  grass  at  hand  ;  or  if  agjiin  there  wci'e 
oxen  to  drive,  which  arc  the  best,  sleek,  large,  both  well  fed 
with  grass,  of  equal  age,  bearing  equal  burdens,  whose  strength 
was  not  weak,  and  there  was  a  field  of  four  acres,  and  the 
glebe  yielded  to  the  plow,  then  thou  wouldst  see  me,  if  1 
would  cut  through  continual  furrows.  If  again  the  son  of 
Saturn  should  to-day  raise  up  war  from  any  place,  but  I  had 
a  shield  and  two  spears,  and  a  helmet,  all  brass,  fitted  upon 
my  temples ;  then  thou  shouldst  see  me  mixed  among  the 
first  fore-fighters ;  nor  wouldst  thou  speak,  reproaching  my 
belly.  But  thou  insultest  me  very  much,  and  thy  mind  is 
cruel ;  and  thou  thinkest  that  thou  art  some  great  and  mighty 
person,  because  thou  dost  associate  with  few,  and  those  not 
excellent :  but  if  Ulysses  should  come  and  reach  his  paternal 
land,  soon  the  gates,  although  they  are  very  wide,  would  be 
narrow  for  thee  when  flying  out  of  doors  through  the  por¬ 
tico.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  but  Eurymachus  was  more  wroth  at 
heart,  and  sternly  regarding  him,  he  addressed  to  him  winged 
words : 

“Ah!  wretched  one,  surely  I  will  soon  accomplish  some 
evil  upon  thee,  such  things  dost  thou  speak  boldly  among 
men  ;  nor  dost  thou  at  all  fear  in  thy  mind ;  wine  in  truth 
has  laid  hold  of  thine  understanding,  or  thou  hast  always 
such  a  disposition,  thou  who  uttcrest  vain  words.  [Dost 
thou  exult  vainly,  because  thou  hast  conquered  the  wanderau 
Irus'?”l 


393—427.] 


ODYSSEY.  XVIII. 


257 


Tims  having  spoken,  lie  took  a  stool :  but  Ulysses  sat  down 
at  the  knees  of  Dulichian  A.mphinomus,  fearing  Eurymachus  : 
and  he  struck  the  cup-bearer  on  his  right  hand  ;  and  the 
bowl,  falling  on  the  ground,  resounded ;  but  he,  groaning, 
fell  supine  in  the  dust.  And  the  suitors  made  a  tumult  in 
the  dark  palace ;  and  thus  some  one  said,  looking  to  another 
near  him  : 

“Would  that  the  stranger,  wandering,  had  perished  else¬ 
where,  before  he  came  [here]  ;  then  would  he  not  have  caused 
so  great  a  tumult.  But  now  we  are  contending  about  a  beg¬ 
gar  ;  nor  will  there  be  any  delight  in  an  excellent  banquet, 
since  the  worst  things  prevail.*’ 

Then  the  sacred  niigiit  of  Telemachus  addressed  them : 
“  Sirs,  ye  are  mad,  and  no  longer  eat  and  drink  in  quiet : 
some  one  of  the  gods  irritates  you.  But  having  feasted  well, 
go  home,  and  lie  down,  when  your  mind  commands  you ;  but 
1  drive  no  one  away.”^® 

Thus  he  spoke ;  and  they  all  biting  their  lips  with  their 
teeth,  marveled  at  Telemachus  for  what  he  boldly  spoke.  But 
Amphinornus,  the  illustrious  son  of  king  Nisus,  son  of  Aretias, 
harangued  and  addressed  them  : 

“  ]\Iy  friends,  no  one  surely  attacking  [him]  with  hostile 
words,  would  be  angry  with  what  has  been  spoken  justly. 
Neither  insult  the  stranger  any  more,  nor  any  other  of  the 
servants  who  are  in  the  house  of  divine  Ulysses.  But  come, 
let  the  cup-bearer  make  the  first  offerings  with  the  cups,  that 
having  made  libations,  "we  going  home  may  lie  down :  and 
let  us  leave  the  stranger  in  the  palace  of  Ulysses  for  Telema¬ 
chus  to  take  care  of:  for  he  has  come  to  his  kind  house.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  and  he  spoke  words  pleasing  to  all  of  them. 
And  the  hero  Mulius,  the  Dulichian  herald,  mixed  a  bowl  for 
them  ;  but  he  was  the  servant  of  Amphinornus  ;  and  he  dis¬ 
tributed  to  all  in  succession  :  and  they  having  made  libations 
to  the  blessed  gods,  drank  sweet  wine.  But  when  they  had 
made  libations,  and  drunk  as  much  as  their  mind  wished, 
sach  went  to  his  own  home  to  lie  down  to  rest. 

i.  e.  go  when  you  choose. 


258 


ODYSSEY.  XIX. 


[1—20. 


BOOK  XIX. 


ARGUMENT. 

During  the  night  Ulysses  nncl  Telcmachus  remove  the  arms  from  the 
hall  to  an  upper  chamber.  Ulysses  then  gives  a  feigned  account  of 
himself  to  Tenelope.  Euryclea,  while  Avashing  his  feet,  recognizes 
him  by  a  scar  on  his  knee ;  then  follows  an  account  of  the  Avay  in 
which  he  was  wounded  by  a  boar  while  hunting  in  Parnassus. 

But  divine  Ulysses  was  left  in  the  palace,  meditating  de¬ 
struction  for  the  suitors  with  Minerva.  And  he  immediately 
addressed  to  Telemachus  winged  words : 

“  Telemachus,  it  behooves  [thee]  to  lay  up  all  the  warlike 
arms  within  ;  but  to  deceive  the  suitors  with  mild  words,  when 
desiring  them  they  inquire  of  thee ;  [saying],  I  have  placed 
them  out  of  the  smoke;  since  they  are  no  longer  like  unto 
those  which  Ulysses  once  left,  when  going  to  Troy,  but  are 
become  soiled,  as  much  as  the  vapor  of  fire  has  reached  them. 
But  the  deity  has  put  this  still  greater  matter  in  my  mind, 
lest  by  chance  intoxicated,  having  made  a  quarrel  among 
you,  ye  should  wound  one  another,  and  disgrace  the  feast, 
and  the  wooing;  for  the  steel  itself  draws  on  a  man.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  and  Telemachus  obeyed  his  dear  father : 
and  calling  out  the  nurse  Euryclea,  he  addressed  her: 

“Nurse,  come  now,  shut  the  women  in  the  palace,  while  I 
lay  up  the  beautiful  arms  of  my  sire  in  the  chamber,  which 
the  smoke  besmears,  not  taken  care  of  in  the  hou.se,  while  my 
sire  is  absent :  but  I  was  yet  a  child  ;  but  now  I  wish  to  lay 
them  up,  where  the  vapor  of  fire  will  not  reach  them.” 

But  him  the  dear  nurse  Euryclea  addressed  in  turn: 
“Would  that,  my  child,  thou  wouldst  at  lengtli  assume  pru¬ 
dence  to  tliyself,  to  take  care  of  thy  house,  and  to  guard  all 
tliy  possessions.  But  come,  who  then  going  with  thee,  shall 
carry  a  light?  Thou  dost  not  suffer  the  handmaidens,  who 
would  have  given  light,  to  come  forward.” 

But  her  ])rudent  Telemachus  answei’ed  in  turn:  “This 
stranger  [will]:  for  I  will  not  allow  him  to  be  without  em¬ 
ployment,  Avhoever  touches  my  food,’  although  having  come 
from  afar.” 

*  Xolvi'i  is  properly  a  measure  eontaining  two  sextarii ;  and  from 
thenee  signifies  any  thing  that  is  measured,  or,  as  it  is  here  used,  ybod 
in  general.  See  Eustathius. 


30— G  7.] 


ODYSSEY.  XIX. 


259 


Thus  he  spoke ;  but  the  word  was  unwinged  and  she 
shut  the  gates  of  tlie  well-built  palace.  But  Ulysses  and  his 
glorious  son  hastening,  carried  in  the  helmets,  and  embossed 
shields,  and  sharp  spears  :  and  Pallas  Minerva  before  [them], 
holding  a  golden  lamp,  gave  a  very  beautiful  light.  Then 
Tclemaehus  quickly  addressed  his  sire : 

“  O  father,  truly  I  behold  this  a  great  marvel  with  mine 
eyes :  the  walls  of  the  palace,  and  the  beautiful  intercolumnia- 
tions,^  and  the  fir-tree  beams,  and  the  lofty  columns,  shine  al¬ 
together  before  mine  eyes,  as  with  burning  fire.  Certainly 
some  god  is  within,  [of  those]  who  possess  the  wide  heaven.” 

But  him  much-planning  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer: 
“Be  silent;  and  restrain  thy  thoughts,  nor  maUe  inquiries: 
this  indeed  is  the  right  of  the  gods  who  possess  Olympus. 
But  do  thou  go  and  lie  down  ;  and  I  will  remain  here,  that  I 
may  still  excite  the  handmaidens  and  tiiy  mother :  but  she 
mourning  will  ask  me  concerning  every  thing.’’ 

Thus  he  spoke;  and  Telemachus  went  through  out  of  the 
palace  to  his  chamber  to  lie  down  (shining  under  the  light  of 
torches),  where  he  before  lay  down,  when  sweet  sleep  came 
j  upon  him.  There  indeed  he  at  that  time  also  lay  down,  and 
,  waited  for  divine  morn.  But  divine  Ulysses  was  left  in  the 
i  ])alace  meditating  destruction  for  the  suitors,  with  Minerva. 

1  And  prudent  Penelope  came  from  her  chamber,  like  unto 
Diana,  and  golden  Venus:  for  her  indeed  they  placed  a  seat 
near  the  fire,  upon  which  she  sat,  turned  with  ivory  and  sil¬ 
ver  ;  which  formerly  the  artificer  Icmalius  wrought,  and  un¬ 
der  it  he  put  a  foot-stool  for  the  feet,  joined  to  it,  upon  which 
a  large  fleece  was  spread.  There  then  prudent  Penelope  sat 
down.  And  white-armed  handmaidens  came  from  the  pal¬ 
ace  :  and  they  took  away  much  bread,  and  the  tables,  and 
the  cups,  from  which  the  over-violent  men  drank.  And  they 
threw  the  lire  from  the  hearths  upon  the  ground  ;  and  heaped 
up  much  other  wood  upon  them,  to  be  a  light  and  to  give 
warmth.  And  Melantho  a  second  time  chided  Ulysses: 

“  O  stranger,  still  wilt  thou  trouble  us  here,  ranging  through 
the  house  in  the  night?  and  wilt  thou  watch  the  women? 

*  See  on  xvii.  57. 

I  *  I  jjrefer  this  interpretation,  but  the  student  may  take  choice  among 
.  Tu  fitra^v  rojv  doKwp,  or  dia<ppdyixaTa  ?/  ^laarppaTa  jxtTu'iv  ruiv  KiuviJtv. 
Etistaih. 


2C0 


ODYSSEY.  XIX. 


[08— lOG. 


But  depart  out  of  doors,  wretched  one,  and  enjoy  tliy  meal : 
or  soon,  ay,  stiicken  witli  a  torch,  thou  shalt  go  out  of  doors.’’ 

But  her  much-planning  Ulysses,  sternly  regarding,  address¬ 
ed  :  ‘‘Impudent  woman,  why  dost  thou  thus  press  Upon  me 
with  angered  mind  is  it  because  I  am  squalid,  and  am  clothed 
on  my  body  in  bad  garments?  and  beg  through  the  people? 
for  necessity  presses  upon  mo.  But  such  are  beggars  and 
wanderers.  For  I  also,  once  wealthy,  inhabited  an  opulent 
house  among  men,  and  I  often  gave  to  such  a  wanderer,  who¬ 
ever  ho  might  be,  and  whatever  he  came  Avanting.  And  I 
had  innumerable  servants,  and  many  other  things,  by  which 
men  live  well  and  are  called  opulent :  but  Jove,  the  son  of 
Saturn,  destroyed  me ;  for  he  somehow  'willed  [to  do  so]. 
Therefore,  woman,  [beware]  lest  thou  lose  all  thy  beauty, 
with  which  thou  art  now  adorned  among  the  women-servants, 
for  fear  thy  mistress,  enraged  with  thee,  should  be  wroth,  or 
Ulysses  should  return :  for  there  is  still  some  share  of  hope. 
But  even  if  he  has  perished,  and  is  no  longer  able  to  return, 
yet  by  the  will  of  Apollo  he  has  noAv  such  a  son,  Telema- 
chus ;  and  no  one  of  the  women  acting  impiously  in  the  pal¬ 
ace  will  escape  him  :  since  he  is  no  longer  of  such  an  age.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  prudent  Penelope  heard  him  ;  and  she 
chided  her  handmaiden,  and  spoke,  and  addressed  her: 

“  In  no  Avise,  O  bold,  O  shameless  one,  shalt  thou  escape 
me,  doing  a  heinous  deed,  Avhich  thou  shalt  atone  Avith  thine 
head.  For  thou  kneAvest  full  Avell,  since  thou  didst  hear 
from  me  myself,  that  I  intend  to  inquire  of  the  stranger  in 
my  palace  concerning  my  husband,  since  I  am  continually 
grieved.” 

She  spoke,  and  addressed  the  housekeeper,  Eurynome: 

“  O  Eurynome,  bring  a  seat  and  [spread]  a  skin  upon  it, 
that  the  stranger  sitting  down  may  tell  me,  and  hear  from 
me  ;  for  I  Avish  to  inquire  of  him.” 

Thus  she  spoke  ;  and  she  A^ery  quickly  bringing  a  Avell- 
polished  seat,  set  it  doAvn,  and  spread  a  skin  upon  it:  there 
then  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  sat  doAvn.  And  to  them 
prudent  Penelope  began  discourse  : 

“  O  stranger,  I  myself  will  first  ask  of  thee,  aaTo  art  thou?  I 
from  Avhence  art  thou  among  men?  Avhere  are  thy  city  and 
parents  ?” 

But  her  much-planning  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer; 


107—147.] 


ODYSSEY.  XIX. 


261 


“O  lady,  no  one  of  mortals  over  the  boundless  earth  would 
find  fault  with  thee ;  for  thy  fame  reaches  the  wide  heaven, 
as  of  some  blameless  king,  who,  godlike,  ruling  over  many  and 
mighty  men,  upholds  equity:  and  the  dark  earth  produces 
wheat  and  barley,  and  the  trees  are  heavy  laden  with  fruit ; 
and  it  brings  forth  strong  sheep,  and  the  sea  furnishes  fish  on 
account  of  his  good  government ;  and  the  people  are  virtuous 
under  him.  Now  therefore  inquire  of  me  the  other  things 
in  thine  house :  but  do  not  ask  my  race  and  paternal  land, 
lest  thou  shouldst  the  more  fill  my  mind  with  pains,  as  I  call 
things  to  my  recollection  :  but  I  am  a  man  of  much  grief ; 
nor  is  it  at  all  fit  that  I  should  sit  in  another  person’s  house 
mourning  and  wailing;  since  it  is  worse  to  grieve  forever 
without  ceasing ;  for  fear  any  one  of  the  servants  should 
blame  me,  or  even  thou  thyself ;  and  should  say  that  I  in¬ 
crease  my  tears,  having  my  mind  heavy  with  Avine.” 

Dut  him  ])rudent  Penelope  thus  answered:  “Stranger,  of 
a  truth  the  immortals  destroyed  my  excellence,  and  form,  and 
person,  Avhen  the  Grecians  embarked  for  Ilium  ;  and  among 
tliem  was  my  husband  Illjsses.  If  he  indeed  coming  should 
manage  my  property,  so  would  my  fame  be  greater  and  more 
honorable :  but  now  I  am  grieved  ;  for  the  deity  has  made  so 
many  evils  rush  upon  me.  [For  as  many  chiefs  as  rule  over 
the  islands,  Dulichium,  and  Samos,  and  woody  Zacynthus, 
and  those  who  govern  in  western  Ithaca  itself,  these  avoo  me 
against  my  Avill,  and  Avaste  aAvay  mine  house.]  Therefore  I 
have  no  regard  for  strangers,  or  for  sup])liants,  or  at  all  for 
heralds,  Avho  are  public  officers :  but  regretting  Ulysses  I  am 
melted  aAvay  in  my  dear  heart.  And  they  hasten  on  my  mar¬ 
riage;  but  I  Avind^  deceits:  first  of  all  the  deity  inspired  my 
mind  to  Aveave  a  large  garment  in  the  palace,  having  begun^ 
a  large  Aveb,  slender  and  round ;  but  I  straightAvay  addressed 
them  :  ‘Youths,  my  suitors,  since  divine  Ulysses  has  died,  do 
ye  remain,  urging  my  marriage;  until  I  shall  finish  this  gar¬ 
ment  (that  my  threads  may  not  perish  in  vain),  a  shroud  for 
the  hero  Laertes,  for  the  time  Avhen  the  destructive  fate  of 
long-sleeping  death  shall  seize  on  him.  Lest  some  one  of  the 
Grecian  Avomen  among  the  people  should  be  indignant  Avith 
me,  if  he,  Avho  having  })ossesscd  many  things,  should  lie  Avitli- 


‘  i.  c.  plan,  devise. 


*  Literally,  “having  set  nj).” 


262 


ODYSSEY.  XIX. 


[148— 18C. 


out  a  shroud.’  Thus  I  spoke  ;  and  their  liaughty  mind  was 
persuaded.  Then  during  the  day  I  wove  the  large  web,  but 
at  night,  when  I  had  set  the  torches  near  me,  I  unraveled 
it.  Thus  for  three  years  I  escaped  them,  and  persuaded  the 
Grecians :  but  when  the  fourth  year  came,  and  the  hours  ad¬ 
vanced,  [the  montlis  waning,  and  many  days  were  complet¬ 
ed,]  then  they  caught  me,  coming  upon  me  through  means  of 
the  women  servants,  careless  creatures !  and  chided  me  with 
words.  So  I  linished  it,  although  against  my  will,  by  neces¬ 
sity  ;  but  now  I  neither  can  escape  marriage,  nor  do  1  discov¬ 
er  any  other  counsel :  and  my  parents  very  much  exhort  me 
to  marry :  and  my  son  grieves  at  their  consuming  his  proper¬ 
ty,  knowing  [that  they  are  doing  so]  :  for  now  he  is  a  man 
by  all  means  able  to  take  care  of  the  house,  to  whom  Jove 
gives  renown.  But  even  so  tell  me  thy  race,  from  whence 
thou  art :  for  thou  art  not  born  of  an  old-fabled  oak,  or  from 
a  rock.” 

But  her  much-planning  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer : 
“  O  venerable  wife  of  Ulysses,  son  of  Laertes,  wilt  thou  not 
yet  cease  inquiring  my  race'?  But  I  will  tell  thee;  thou  wilt 
iiideed  give  me  up  to  more  griefs,  than  [those]  by  which  1 
am  already  possessed :  for  this  is  the  Avont,  Avhen  a  man  is  ab¬ 
sent  from  his  country  so  long  a  time,  as  I  now  am,  wandering 
over  many  cities  of  mortals,  suffering  griefs :  but  even  so  I 
Avill  tell  thee  that  which  thou  askest  and  inquirest  of  me. 
There  is  a  certain  land,  Crete,  in  the  middle  of  the  dark  sea, 
beautiful  and  rich,  surrounded  with  water ;  and  in  it  there 
are  many  men,  numberless,  and  ninety  cities.  And  there  is  a 
different  language  of  different  men,  mixed  together  ;  there  arc 
in  it  Achaians,  and  magnanimous  Eteocretans,  and  Cydonians, 
and  crest-shaking^  Dorians,  and  divine  Belasgians.  And 
among  them  is  a  large  city,  Cnossus :  there  iSIinos  reigned, 
who  every  nine  years"  conversed  with  mighty  Jove,  the  fa¬ 
ther  of  my  sire,  magnanimous  Deucalion.  And  Deucalion 


®  Or,  “inhabiting  three  cities;”  for  some  inhabited  Eiiboca,  others 
Peloponnesus,  and  otliers  Crete.  Others  say,  “having  three  crests.” 
Others,  “shaking  their  crests  in  battle.”  See  Eustathius. 

’  This  is  evidently  the  correct  inter])retation,  as  we  may  learn  from 
Idato  de  Legg.  i.  }>.  5G5,  Licm.,  tov  JNlhVw  ^oiTMvrog  Trpdi;  Tt)v  rou  7ra- 
rpbg  tKiKTTOTi  avvovalaik  ivvarov  trove,  t  al  tcard  T('tQ  Trap’  tictivoit 
({v'lHaij  raiij  TToXtenv  i'pip  Otvrbi-  rove  vbpovc  ;  See.  also  ^liuos,  p.  4G, 
Dion.  Clirysost.  Or.  i.  j).  5G;  Ciccr.  Tusc.  t/  ii. 


180—213.] 


ODYSSEY.  XIX. 


2G3 


begot  me,  and  king  Idomeneus  ;  but  be  went  in  the  crooked 
.ships  to  Ilium,  together  with  the  sons  of  Atreus:  and  my 
renowned  name  is  A'dlion,  the  youngest  in  birth  ;  but  he  was 
first  and  best.  Tliere  I  saw  Ulysses,  and  gave  him  hospitable 
gifts.  For  the  strength  of  the  wind  drove  him  to  Crete,  as 
he  was  making  for  Troy,  making  him  to  wander  from  the 
JNIaleans  ;  and  placed  him  in  Amnisus  (where  too  is  the  cave 
of  Iiytheia),  in  a  dangerous  haven  ;  and  he  scarcely  escaped 
the  storms.  But  immediately  coming  up  to  the  city,  he  in¬ 
quired  for  Idomeneus ;  for  he  said  that  he  was  a  dear  and 
venerable  guest  of  his.  And  he  had  now  set  out  about  ten 
or  eleven  days  with,  his  crooked  ships  for  Troy.  I  however 
leading  him  to  my  abode,  treated  him  well,  entertaining  him 
heartily,  having  many  things  in  my  house  :  and  I  gave  to  him, 
and  to  his  other  companions,  who  followed  with  him,  meal 
from  the  public  stores,  and  dark  wine,  having  collected  it, 
and  beeves  to  sacrifice  ;  that  they  might  satiate  their  mind. 
There  the  divine  Grecians  remained  for  twelve  days ;  for  a 
great  North  wind  drifted  them,  nor  suffered  them  to  stand 
even  on  land;  for  some  evil  deity  raised  it;  but  on  the  thir¬ 
teenth  day  the  wind  fell;  and  they  weighed  anchor.” 

lie  stopped,®  telling  many  falsehoods  like  unto  truths  :  and 
the  tears  flowed  down  from  her,  hearing  it,  and  her  body 
wasted  away.  And  as  the  snow  has  melted  on  the  lofty 
mountains,  ivliich  the  East  wind  has  melted,®  when  Zephyr 
poured  it  upon  them,  and  the  rivers  as  they  flow  are  filled  by 
it  melting;  so  were  her  fair  cheeks  melted,  as  she  shed  tears, 
bewailing  her  husband,  who  was  .sitting  near  her;  and  Ulys¬ 
ses  indeed  pitied  in  his  mind  his  grieving  ivife,  but  his  eyes 
stood  [firm]  as  horn  or  steel,  without  trembling  in  his  eyelids: 
and  by  artifice  he  concealed  his  tears.  When  then  she  was 

*  See  Biittmann,  Lexil.  p.  275-279,  and  on  Od.  xxii.  31,  who  would 
almost  j)refer  "laTvtv  to  laKtr,  the  true  meaning  of  which  is  very  difficult 
to  settle.  For  my  own  part,  I  feel  inclined  to  change  the  punctuation, 
joining  Xkyojv  kTVfxoKTii^  ofioia,  and  rendering,  “lie  [thus]  counterfeited 
many  false  things,  speaking  words  like  unto  truth.”  This  does  least 
Tiolence  to  the  proper  meaning  of  irryt. 

®  Observe  the  continued  rejietition,  t!]kito — KararfiKtro — Karirri^tv. 
Cf.  II.  i.  251,  sqq.  v.  200,  sqq. ;  Hesiod,  0pp.  27,  sq.  97,  sq. ;  Pseud-Or- 
pheus  Org.  717,  sq. ;  Theocrit.  xxvii.  GG,  sqc^.  Such  in.stanees  are 
chielly  found  in  heroic  verse. 


2G4 


odyssey.  XIX.  [214—248. 

satiated  with  tearful  mourning,  she  straightway  in  answer 
addressed  him : 

Now  indeed,  O  stranger,  I  think  that  I  will  put  thee  to  the 
test,  if  in  truth,  as  thou  sayest,  thou  liast  entertained  my  hus¬ 
band  with  his  godlike  companions  in  thy  palace.  Tell  me  wdiat 
kind  of  garments  were  put  around  his  body,  and  himself,  what 
kind  of  a  man  he  was,  and  his  companions  who  followed  him.” 

But  her  much-planning  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer :  “  0 
lady,  ditficult  it  is  to  tell,  when  so  long  a  time  has  elapsed  be- 
tw'een :  for  it  is  now  the  twentieth  year  since  he  went  thence, 
and  departed  from  my  country ;  but  even  so  I  will  tell  thee, 
as  my  heart  makes  it  seem^^  to  me.  Divine  Ulysses  had  a 
purple  woolen  cloak,  double ;  but  there  was  a  clasp  of  gold 
made  for  it  with  two  fastenings  and  in  front  it  was  varie¬ 
gated  :  a  dog  held  in  its  fore  feet  a  spotted  fawn,  enjoying  it^^ 
panting ;  and  all  marveled  at  it,  how'  they  being  of  gold,  the 
one  strangling  tlie  kid  was  enjoying  it,  but  the  other,  eager 
to  escai)0,  was  convulsively  struggling  with  its  feet.  That 
beautiful  garment  I  perceived  around  liis  body,  like  as  the 
rind  of  a  slender  onion.  So  soft  was  it,  and  it  was  shining 
as  the  sun:  many  w^oincn  indeed  gazed  upon  it.  But  1  will 
tell  thee  something  else,  and  do  thou  lay  it  up  in  tliy  mind; 
1  know  not  wdiether  Ulysses  put  these  garments  on  his  body 
at  home,  or  whether  some  one  of  his  companions  gave  them 
to  him,  as  he  was  going  in  the  swift  ship,  or  perhaps  some 
stranger ;  since  Ulysses  was  dear  to  many ;  for  there  were 
few  of  the  Grecians  like  unto  him.  And  1  gave  to  him  a 
brazen  sword,  and  a  beautiful,  purple,  double  cloak,  and  a 
garment  reaching  to  his  feet ;  and  I  sent  him  away  honorably, 
on  a  well-benched  ship.  And  a  herald,  a  little  older  than 
liimself,  followed  him  ;  and  I  will  tell  thee  concerni  I'j  him, 
what  kind  of  a  man  he  was  ;  round-shouldered,  dark-colored, 
with  curly  hair,  and  his  name  was  Eurybates :  but  Ulysses 
honored  him  chief  among  his  companions,  because  he  knew  in 
his  mind  what  was  proper.” 

lies.  ’Iv^aXXtraj,  unoiovrai,  ^aivtrai,  toKti,  eroxii^trai.  TiniuJiis 
Lex.  (pavra’Ctrai.  See  Ixuhnk.  ]>.  150. 

Some  call  av\h£,  the  rin<;  cf  a  clnsj);  but  the  Scholiast  says  it  i.s, 
Straight  ])ii)e  or  channel,  in  which  the  clasp  w  as  shut  up.  Old  Transl 

Cf.  Alberti  on  llesych.  v.  Xdwv,  t.  ii.  p.  407.. 


249—289.] 


ODYSSEY.  XIX. 


2G5 


Thus  he  spoke,  and  still  more  encouraged  the  desire  of 
grief  in  her,  recog!iizing  the  signs,  which  Ulysses  told  her 
plainly.  She  therefore,  after  she  was  satiated  with  tearful 
aiourning,  then  indeed  addressed  him  in  answer: 

“  Now  indeed,  O  stranger,  although  thou  wast  before  an 
objxrct  of  pity  in  my  palace,  thou  slialt  be  dear  and  revered : 
for  I  mySelf  gave  him  these  garments,  which  thou  dost  men¬ 
tion,  having  folded  them  up  from  my  chamber :  and  I  put  the 
shining  clasp  upon  them,  to  be  an  ornament  for  him  :  but  him 
I  shall  not  receive  again,  returning  home  to  his  dear  country. 
Therefore  Ulysses  went  by  evil  fate  in  the  hollow  ship,  to  see 
that  ill-Troy,  not  to  be  named.” 

But  her  much-planning  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer :  “  O 
venerable  wdfe  of  Ulysses,  son  of  Laertes,  now  no  longer  waste 
thy  beauteous  person,  nor  consume  thy  mind,  mourning  for 
thy  husband :  however,  I  could  not  be  angry  with  thee  at 
all :  for  any  woman,  having  lost  her  lawful  husband  (to  whcr.i 
she  has  borne  children,  and  having  been  mingled  with  him  in 
love),  though  inferior  to  Ulysses,  whom  they  say  is  like  unto 
the  gods,  laments  for  him.  But  cease  from  thy  grief,  and  at¬ 
tend  to  what  I  say  :  for  I  will  tell  thee  truly,  nor  will  1  con¬ 
ceal  it,  that  I  lately  heard  of  the  return  of  Ulysses,  of  his  being 
alive,  in  a  rich  people  near  the  Thesprotians  :  but  he  brings 
much  and  excellent  treasure,  begging  it  through  the  people  ; 
but  he  has  lost  his  beloved  companions  and  his  hollow  ship, 
in  the  dark  sea,  as  he  was  going  from  the  island  of  Trinacria  : 
for  Jove  and  the  Sun  were  wrath  with  him,  for  his  compan¬ 
ions  slew  the  oxen  [of  the  Sun].  All  of  them  perished  in  the 
boisterous  sea  ;  but  the  wave  drove  him  up  on  the  keel  of 
the  ship  to  the  shore,  to  the  land  of  the  Bhasacians,  wdio  are 
near  to  the  gods.  But  him  they  honored  exceedingly,  like  as 
a  god,  and  gave  him  many  things,  and  themselves  wished  to 
escort  him  home  unharmed  ;  and  Ulysses  would  have  been 
here  some  time  ago  ;  but  it  seemed  to  him  in  his  mind  to  be 
better  to  go  over  much  land  and  collect  possessions ;  since 
Ulysses  knew  many  means  of  gain  above  mortal  men  :  nor 
would  any  other  mortal  contend  with  him,  as  Bheidon,  king 
of  the  Thesprotians,  told  me.  And  he  swore  to  me  myself, 
pouring  out  a  libation  in  the  house,  that  the  ship  was  drawn 
down,  and  lliat  companions  were  ready,  who  would  at  length 

M 


2C6 


ODTSSEY.  XIX. 


[290—330. 


escort  him  to  his  clear  paternal  land.  But  me  he  sent  away 
first ;  for  a  ship  of  the  Thesprotians  happened  to  be  com¬ 
ing:  to  wheat-abounding'  Dulichium.  And  to  me  he  showed 
the  possessions,  whatsoever  Ulysses  had  collected  ;  and  they 
would  support  another  man  even  to  the  tenth  generation, 
so  many  treasures  of  his  lie  in  the  palace  of  the  king.  And 
he  said  that  he  was  gone  to  Dodona,  that  he  might  ask  the 
counsel  of  God  from  the  lofty-tressed  oak  of  Jove,  in  wiiat 
■<vay  he  should  return  to  his  dear  paternal  land,  having  been 
now  a  long  time  absent,  whether  openly  or  secretly.  So  ho 
is  thus  safe,  and  will  come  now  very  near,  nor  any  more  will 
he  for  a  long  time  bo  far  away  from  his  friends  and  paternal 
land;  however  I  will  plight  thee  an  oath  :  now  let  Jove  first 
be  witness,  the  highest  and  most  excellent  of  the  gods,  and 
the  hearth  of  blameless  Ulysses,  to  which  I  am  come,  all  these 
things  shall  surely  be  brought  to  pass,  as  I  relate  them  :  Ulys¬ 
ses  will  come  hero  in  this  same  year,  when  this  month  wanes, 
and  the  next  begins.” 

But  him  prudent  Penelope  addressed  in  turn:  “Would  tlvat, 
O  stranger,  this  word  might  bo  accomplished  :  then  shouldst 
thou  soon  experience  my  friendsliip,  and  [receive]  many  gifts 
from  me  ;  so  that  any  one  who  met  thee  would  congratulate 
thee.  But  thus  does  it  appear  to  mo  in  my  mind,  even  as  it 
will  be  :  neither  will  Ulysses  any  more  come  home,  nor  will 
thou  obtain  an  escort :  since  there  are  not  masters  in  the 
house,  such  as  was  Ulysses  among  men  (if  ever  he  was),  to 
send  away  and  to  receive  venerable  strangers.  But  w'ash  him, 
handmaidens,  and  place  a  bed  for  him,  couches  and  cloaks, 
and  beautiful  rugs,  that  being  well  warmed  he  may  reach  the 
golden-throned  Morn.  But  very  early  in  the  morning  wash 
and  anoint  him,  that  sitting  witliiii  near  Telemachus  he  may 
take  care  of  his  meal :  but  it  shall  be  more  sad  for  him,  who¬ 
ever  of  them  afliicting  him  in  mind  causes  him  soitoav,  and  lie 
shall  no  more  effect  any  work  here,  although  exceedingly  en¬ 
raged.  For  how,  stranger,  wilt  thou  knoAV  of  me,  Avhethcr  I 
excel  other  Avomen  at  all  in  thought,  or  prudent  counsel,  if 
thou  feastest  in  the  palace,  squalid,  ill-clad?  but  men  are 
short-liA'ed.  Whoever  is  himself  cruel,  and  knoAvs  Avhat  is 
cruel,  upon  him  all  mortals  imprecate  griefs  hereafter  Avhen 
alive;  but  all  scoff  at  him  when  dead:  but  whoever  is  him- 


331— 372.J 


ODYSSEY.  XIX. 


2G7 


self  blameless,  and  knows  v/liat  is  blameless,  his  fame  stran¬ 
gers  bear  far  and  wide  among  all  men :  and  many  call  him 
excellent.” 

But  her  mueh-planning  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer:  “O 
venerable  wife  of  Ulysses,  son  of  Laertes,  cloaks  and  beauti¬ 
ful  rugs  are  indeed  a  burden  to  me,  since  I  was  first  separa¬ 
ted  from  the  snowy  mountains  of  Crete,  going  in  a  long-oared 
ship.  But  I  will  lie,  as  I  have  hitherto  rested  during  the 
sleepless  nights.  For  already  have  I  lain  many  nights  in  an 
unseemly  bed,  and  have  waited  for  beautiful-throned  divine 
morning.  Nor  are  foot-baths  for  my  feet  at  all  agreeable  to 
my  mind;  nor  shall  any  of  the  women,  who  are  servants  in 
thy  house,  touch  my  foot,  unless  there  is  some  old  woman, 
who  kens  what  is  prudent,  who  has  endured  so  many  things 
in  her  mind,  as  I  have,  I  would  not  grudge  that  she  should 
touch  my  feet.” 

But  him  prudent  Penelope  addressed  in  answer :  “  Dear 
stranger  !  for  not  yet  has  any  foreign  stranger  come,  thus 
prudent,  or  more  welcome  to  my  house,  so  very  skillfully  dost 
thou  speak  all  things  that  are  prudent :  I  have  an  old  woman, 
who  possesses  ]>rudent  counsels  in  her  mind,  who  nurtured 
Avell  and  brought  up  him,  wretched  one,  having  received  him 
in  her  hands,  when  his  mother  first  brought  him  forth,  she 
will  wash  thy  feet,  althougli  having  but  little  strength.  But 
come  now,  O  prudent  Euryclea,  rising  up,  wash  one  who  is 
of  equal  age  with  thy  master:  sueh  perhaps  is  Ulysses  now 
as  to  feet  and  hands.  For  quickly  do  mortals  grow  old  in 
misfortune.” 

Thus  she  sj)oke :  but  the  old  woman  covered  her  face  with 
lier  hands,  and  shed  w^arm  tears ;  and  she  uttered  a  mournful 
W'ord  : 

“  Alas  for  me !  child,  I  know  not  what  to  do  on  thine  ac¬ 
count;  surely  Jove  hates  thee  above  men,  thee  "who  didst  pos¬ 
sess  a  codlike  mind.  For  no  one  of  mortals  has  ever  burned 
so  many  rich  thighs  to  thunder-rejoicing  Jove,  nor  chosen 
hecatombs,  as  thou  hast  given  him,  praying  that  thou  might- 
est  reach  a  quiet  old  age,  and  rnightest  bring  up  thine  illustri¬ 
ous  son:  but  now  ho  has  thus  altogether  taken  aw'^ay  from 
thee  the  day  of  return.  So  })erchance  the  women  of  foreign 
hosts  mock  at  him,  when  he  comes  under  thc-ir  illustrious 
dwellings,  as  these  impudent  ones  all  mock  at  thee ;  sFuii- 


268 


ODYSSEY.  XIX. 


[373—410. 


ning  whose  insolence  and  many  reproaches,  thou  dost  not  suf¬ 
fer  them  to  wash  thee  ;  but  the  daughter  of  Icarius,  prudent 
Penelope,  desires  me  who  am  not  unwilling.  Therefore  I 
will  wash  thy  feet,  both  for  Penelope’s  sake  and  thine :  since 
my  mind  is  troubled  within  with  cares :  but  now  understand 
the  word  which  1  say,  many  wretched  strangers  have  already 
come  here,  but  I  do  not  think  that  I  have  ever  seen  any  one 
thus  like,  as  thou  art  like  unto  Ulysses,  both  in  body  and 
voice  and  feet.” 

But  her  much-counseling  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer :  “  O 
old  woman,  so  they  say;  as  many  as  have  beheld  both  of  us 
with  their  eyes,  that  we  are  very  like  one  another;  as  thou 
thyself  wisely  sayest.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  but  the  old  woman  took  a  shining  caldron, 
in  which  she  washed  his  feet,  and  into  it  she  poured  mucli 
cold  water;  and  then  she  mixed  warm  with  it:  but  Ulysses 
sat  on  the  hearth,  but  he  quickly  turned  toward  a  dark  place : 
for  he  immediately  reflected  in  his  mind,  that  she,  finding  the 
scar,  would  discover  him,  and  that  his  deeds  would  become 
manifest.  And  she,  going  near  her  master,  washed  him  ;  and 
she  immediately  recognized  the  scar ;  wliieh  once  a  boar  had 
infli-eted  upon  him  with  its  white  tusk,  as  he  was  going  to 
Parnassus  with  Autolycus  and  his  sons,  the  excellent  sire  of 
his  mother,  who  surpassed  men  in  deceitfulness  and  in  oaths: 
but  to  him  the  god  Mercury  himself  gave  [this  gift]:  for  to 
him  he  burned  the  acceptable  thighs  of  lambs  and  kids;  but 
he  willingly  accompanied  him.  But  Autolycus  coming  to 
the  rich  people  of  Ithaca,  found  the  son  of  his  daughter  lately 
born  ;  him  Euryclea  placed  on  his  dear  knees  when  he  ceased 
from  supper ;  and  she  spoke  and  said : 

“  Autolycus,  do  thou  now  thyself  find  out  a  name,  which 
thou  mayest  give  to  the  dear  son  of  thy  daughter ;  for  by 
many  prayers  has  he  been  obtained.” 

But  her  Autolycus  answered  and  addressed  in  turn  :  “  Do 
ye,  my  son-in-law  and  my  daughter,  give  him  the  name 
which  I  mention  :  since  I  have  come  hither,  hated  by  many 
men  and  women,  through  the  many-feeding  earth,  therefore 
let  the  name  given  to  him  be  Ulysses  but  I,  wluin  he,  be¬ 
ing  grown  up,  comes  to  Parnassus,  to  his  great  maternal  house, 


'OdvcTivi,  from  the  Tcrl)  o^vaau),  to  be  wroth.  Sec  Euatathius. 


1—455.] 


ODYSSEY.  XIX. 


5^69 


where  are  my  possessions,  will  give  him  some  of  them,  and 
will  sejid  him  away  rejoicing.” 

On  account  of  tliese  things  came  Ulysses,  that  he  might, 
give  to  him  handsome  presents.  Autolycus,  and  the  sons  of 
Autolycus,  welcomed  him  with  their  hands  and  with  mild 
words.  But  his  maternal  grandmother  Ainphithea,  embracing 
Ulysses,  kissed  his  head  and  both  his  beautiful  eyes.  And 
Autolycus  commanded  his  glorious  sons  to  make  ready  a  ban¬ 
quet;  and  they  heard  him  inciting  them.  And  they  immedi¬ 
ately  brought  a  male  beeve  of  five  years  old  :  they  skinned  it, 
and  handled  it,  and  severed  it  all.  And  they  cut  it  up  skillful¬ 
ly,  and  fixed  it  on  spits,  and  roasted  it  cleverly,  and  divided 
the  shares.  Thus  then  they  feasted  during  the  whole  day  until 
sunset ;  nor  did  the  mind  at  all  want  an  equal  feast.  But 
Avhen  the  sun  set,  and  darkness  came  on,  then  they  lay  down  to 
rest,  and  took  the  gift  of  sleep.  But  when  the  mother  of  dawn, 
rosy-fingered  morning,  appeared,  they  set  out  to  the  hunt,  both 
the  dogs,  and  the  sons  of  Autolycus  ;  and  divine  Ulysses  went 
with  them  :  and  they  came  to  the  lofty  mountain  of  Parnas¬ 
sus,  clad  in  wood ;  and  they  soon  reached  the  windy  heights. 
The  sun  had  just  then  struck  upon  the  fields  from  the  gen¬ 
tle-flowing,  deep-streamed  ocean  ;  and  the  huntsmen  came  to 
the  dell ;  and  the  dogs  went  before  them,  searching  out  their 
tracks ;  but  behind  came  the  sons  of  Autolycus,  and  with 
them  divine  Ulysses,  near  the  dogs,  brandishing  a  long-shad¬ 
owing  spear.  There  a  large  boar  lay  down  in  a  dense  thick¬ 
et  ;  which  neither  the  force  of  the  moist-blowing  winds  breath¬ 
ed  through,  nor  did  the  shining  sun  strike  it  with  its  beams, 
nor  did  the  shower  penetrate  through  it ;  so  thick  was  it, 
but  there  was  a  great  mass  of  dry  leaves  shed  in  it.  And 
around  him  came  the  sound  of  the  feet  of  men  and  dogs,  as 
they  came  driving  on  ;  but  he  opposite,  out  of  the  woody  lair, 
bristling  well  his  neck,  and  looking  fire  with  his  eyes,  stood 
near  them ;  but  Ulysses  rushed  on  much  the  first,  holding  up 
his  long  spear  with  his  strong  hand,  eager  to  wound  him  ;  but 
the  boar  anticipating  him,  struck  him  over  the  knee;  and  he 
tore  out  much  flesh  with  his  tusk,  rushing  obliquely,  nor  did 
he  reach  the  bone  of  the  man.  But  him  Ulysses  wounded, 
hittinjr  him  on  the  ri^lit  shoulder,  and  straight  throimh  him 
the  point  of  the  shining  spear  passed  ;  and  he  fell  groaning  in 
the  dust:  and  life  flew  from  him.  Him  however  the  kind 


270 


ODYSSEY.  XIX. 


[455—404. 


sons  of  Autolycus  took  care  of,  and  tliey  skillfully  bound  the 
wound  of  godlike  blameless  Ulysses :  and  they  stopped  the 
black  blood  by  a  spell,  and  quickly  reached  the  house  of  their 
dear  sire.  Autolycus  then,  and  the  sons  of  Autolycus,  hav¬ 
ing  healed  him  well,  and  having  given  him  splendid  gifts, 
quickly  rejoicing,  sent  him  rejoicing  to  dear  Ithaca:  but  on 
his  return  his  father  and  venerable  mother  rejoiced,  and  in¬ 
quired  every  thing  of  him,  as  to  the  scar,  what  he  suffered; 
but  he  related  it  well  to  them,  how  the  boar  struck  him  with 
his  white  tusk  as  he  was  hunting,  having  come  to  Parnassus 
with  the  sons  of  Autolycus. 

But  the  old  woman,  taking  it^^  in  her  hands  placed  flat, 
and  wiping  it,  recognized  it :  and  she  let  his  foot  fall ;  and 
his  leg  fell  in  the  caldron  ;  and  the  brass  resounded,  and  was 
turned  on  one  side :  and  the  water  was  poured  out  on  the 
ground.  And  joy  and  grief  possessed  her  mind  at  the  same 
time ;  and  her  eyes  were  filled  with  tears  :  and  her  warm 
voice  was  choked.  And  touching  Ulysses  by  the  beard,  she 
addressed  him : 

“  Certainly,  my  dear  child,  thou  art  Ulysses:  nor  did  I 
know  thee  before  I  had  handled  my  master  all  round.” 

She  spoke,  and  looked  at  Penelope  with  her  eyes,  wishing 
to  tell  her  that  her  dear  husband  was  within.  But  she  was 
neither  able  to  look  opposite  to  her,  nor  to  perceive  her;  for 
Minerva  turned  aw'ay  her  thoughts :  but  Ulysses  holding  out 
his  hand,  took  her  by  the  throat  with  his  right  hand ;  and 
with  the  other  he  himself  drew  her  near  and  addressed  her: 

“Nurse,  why  dost  thou  wish  to  destroy  mel  thou  thyself 
didst  nourish  me  at  thy  breast,  but  now,  having  endured 
many  toils  I  am  returned  in  the  twentieth  year  to  my  pa¬ 
ternal  land.  But  since  thou  hast  perceived  me,  and  God  has 
put  it  in  thy  mind,  bo  silent,  lest  any  other  in  the  palace 
should  hear  it.  F or  thus  1  tell  thee,  and  this  shall  be  accom¬ 
plished,  if  God  shall  subdue  the  proud  suitors  under  me,  I 
shall  not  spare  thee,  [dthough  thou  art  my  nur.se,  Avhen  I  slay 
the  other  w^omen  servants  in  my  palace.” 

But  him  prudent  Euryclea  addressed  in  turn  :  “  My  child, 
Avhat  Avord  hast  thou  uttered?  thou  knowest  hoAA^  firm  my 
mind  is,  that  it  does  not  yield ;  but  I  Avill  keep  like  as  some 
hard  rock,  or  steel :  and  I  Avill  tell  thee  something  else,  and 

i.  e.  the  wouiulcd  foot. 


*95—532.] 


ODYSSEY.  XIX. 


271 


do  thou  lay  it  up  in  thy  mind  ;  if  God  shall  subdue  the  proud 
suitors  under  thee,  then  will  I  enumerate  to  thee  the  women 
in  the  palace,  who  dislionor  thee,  and  who  are  innocent.” 

But  her  mucli  -  planning  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer: 
“Nurse,  why  shouldst  thou  point  them  out*?  it  is  not  at  all- 
requisite  that  thou  shouldst :  I  myself  can  tell  them  well,  and 
shall  know  each  one.  But  hold  thy  peace  iii  silence,  and  com¬ 
mit  it  to  the  gods.” 

Thus  he  spoke :  and  the  old  woman  went  through  out  of 
the  palace,  to  bring  a  foot-bath  ;  for  all  the  first  was  poured 
out.  But  wdien  she  had  washed,  and  anointed  him  with  the 
smooth  oil,  Ulysses  again  drew  his  seat  nearer  the  fire  to 
warm  himself,  but  he  covered  the  scar  with  rags.  And  pru¬ 
dent  Penelope  began  speaking  to  them  : 

“O  stranger,  1  myself  will  ask  this  of  thee  for  a  little  lon¬ 
ger  ;  for  soon  it  will  be  time  for  delightful  sleep,  [for]  whom¬ 
soever  sweet  sleep  lays  hold  of,  although  in  trouble.  But  to 
me  the  deity  has  given  immeasurable  grief ;  for  I  am  delighted 
during  the  days  mourning,  grieving,  looking  to  my  works  and 
those  of  my  handmaidens  in  the  house  :  but  when  night  comes, 
and  bed  receives  all,  I  lie  down  on  my  couch,  and  constant, 
sharp  cares  about  my  heart  irritate  me,  lamenting  continually. 
As  when  the  daughter  of  Pandarus,  the  swarthy  nightingale, 
sings  beautifully  when  the  spring  newly  begins,  sitting  in  the 
thick  branches  of  trees,  and  she  frequently  changing,  pours 
forth  her  much-sounding  voice,  lamenting  her  dear  Itylus 
(whom  once  she  slew  with  the  brass  tlirough  ignorance), the 
offspring  of  the  king  Zethus  :  so  also  two  ways  is  my  mind  ex¬ 
cited  on  one  side  and  tl>e  other,  whether  I  should  remain  with 
my  son,  and  guard  all  things  firmly,  my  property,  and  my  serv¬ 
ants,  and  my  large  lofty-roofed  house,  reverencing  the  bed  of 
my  sj)ouse,  and  the  voice  of  the  people ;  or  whether  I  should 
follow  him  that  is  the  best  of  the  Grecians,  who  woos  me,  in 
the  palace,  and  gives  me  infinite  bridal  gifts.  But  my  son,  as 
long  as  he  Avas  still  a  child,  and  weak-minded,  did  not  sufier 
me  to  marry,  leaving  him  in  the  house  of  my  husband ;  but 
now  when  he  is  full  grown,  and  arrived  at  the  age  of  manhood. 

She  intended  to  slay  the  son  of  her  husband’s  brother  Am])hion, 
incited  to  it  by  the  envy  of  his  wife,  who  liad  six  children,  while  herself 
liad  only  two,  but  through  mistake  slie  slew  her  son  Itylus,  and  for  her 
punishment  Avas  transformed  by  Jupiter  into  a  nightingale.  Cowper. 


272 


ODYSSEY.  XIX. 


he  begs  of  me  to  go  away  from  the  palace,  angry  on  account 
of  the  wealth,  which  tlie  Grecians  are  consuming  for  him. 
But  come,  expound  a  dream  for  me,  and  hearken  to  it :  twen¬ 
ty  geese  in  my  house  ate  wheat  out  of  the  water,  and  I  was 
.delighted,  looking  at  them  ;  but  a  large  crooked-beaked  eagle 
coming  from  a  mountain,  broke  the  necks  of  all  of  them,  and 
slew  them ;  and  they  were  strewn  together  in  tlie  palace,  but 
he  was  lifted  up  into  the  divine  air.  But  I  wept  and  wailed, 
although  in  a  dream,  and  the  fair-haired  Grecian  women  were 
assembled  around  me  complaining  piteously,  that  the  eagle 
had  killed  my  geese.  ‘  l^ut  coming  back  he  sat  down  on  the 
projecting  roof;  and  restrained  me  with  a  mortal  voice,  and 
spoke:  ‘Be  of  good  cheer,  O  daughter  of  far-famed  Icaiius; 
it  is  not  a  dream,  but  an  excellent  vision,^®  which  shall  be 
brought  to  pass.  The  geese  are  the  suitors  ;  and  I  before  was 
an  eagle,  but  now  am  come,  thy  husband,  who  will  bring  un¬ 
seemly  fate  upon  all  the  suitors.’  Thus  he  spoke  ;  and  sweet 
sleep  left  me.  And  looking  about,  I  saw  the  geese  in  the 
palace,  eating  wheat  near  the  trough,  where  they  before  [ate 
it].” 

But  her  much-counseling  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer :  “  O 
lady,  it  is  not  possible  to  expound  the  dream  turning  in  any 
other  way ;  since  Ulysses  himself  told  thee  how  it  would  be 
performed ;  but  destruction  has  appeared  to  all  the  suitors ; 
nor  will  any  one  escape  death  and  fate.” 

But  him  prudent  Penelope  addres.sed  in  turn  :  “  Stranger, 
dreams  are  indeed  uncertain,  and  speak  things  which  can  not 
be  determined,  nor  are  all  brought  to  pass  for  men.  For 
there  are  two  portals  of  unsubstantial  dreams;  these  are 
made  of  horn,  and  those  of  ivory  ;  whichever  of  them^'^  comes 
through  the  sawn  ivory,  they  deceive,  bringing  promises 
which  will  never  be  fulfilled;  but  those  which  come  out  of 
doors  through  the  polished  horn,  accomplish  what  is  true, 
when  any  one  of  mortals  sees  them.  But  I  think  not  that  the 
terrible  dream  came  to  me  from  thence  ;  so  it  would  be  de¬ 
lightful  for  me  and  for  my  son.  But  1  will  tell  tliee  some¬ 
thing  els^,  and  do  thou  lay  it  up  in  thy  mind  :  this  is  now  the 

•®  Tills  distinction  between  uvap  and  virap  is  illustrated  by  Blomf.  on 
JEsch.  Trom.  482 ;  Valckeu.  on  Ammon,  p.  217,  218 ;  Alberti  on  llesycli. 
s.  V,  virap. 

Of  dreams. 


571—604.] 


ODYSSEY.  XIX. 


273 


hateful  morning  which  will  take  me  away  from  the  house  of 
Ulysses ;  for  now  I  will  propose  as  a  contest  the  pole-axes 
which  he  used  to  ])lace  in  order  in  his  palace,  like  the  ribs  of 
a  ship,^®  twelve  in  all,  and  he,  standing  a  great  way  off,  shot 
the  arrow  through  them.  Now  I  will  propose  this  contest  to 
the  suitors ;  whoever  shall  most  easily  stretch  the  bow  in  his 
hands,  and  shoot  the  arrow  through  all  the  twelve  hatchets, 
him  will  I  follow,  leaving  this  house,  which  I  entered  when  a 
virgin,  very  beautiful,  full  of  wealth  ;  which  I  think  I  shall 
some  time  or  other  remember,  even  in  a  dream.” 

Hut  her  much-planning  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer  :  “  O 
venerable  wife  of  Ulysses,  son  of  Laertes,  no  longer  now’  put 
off' this  contest  in  the  house  ;  for  much-planning  Ulysses  will 
come  here  before  they,  handling  this  well-polished  bow,  stretch 
the  string,  and  shoot  the  arrow  through  the  steel.” 

Hut  liim  prudent  Penelope  addressed  in  turn:  “If  thou 
wast  willing,  O  stranger,  sitting  by  me  in  the  palace  to  de¬ 
light  me,  sleep  would  not  be  shed  over  my  eyelids.  Hut  it  is 
not  possible  for  men  to  be  always  without  sleep ;  for  in  every 
thing  the  immortals  have  given  their  lot  to  mortals  over  the 
fruitful  plain.  Hut  1  indeed,  going  to  the  upper  room,  Avill 
lie  down  on  my  bed,  which  has  become  sad  to  me,  ever  moist¬ 
ened  with  my  tears,  from  the  time  when  Ulysses  went  to  be¬ 
hold  ill-Troy,  Avhich  ought  not  to  be  named.  There  will  I  lie 
down  ;  but  do  thou  lie  in  this  house,  eitlier  strewing  [a  bed] 
upon  the  ground,  or  let  them  lay  down  a  couch  for  thee.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  she  ascended  to  the  beautiful  upper 
rooms,  not  alone  :  [for]  other  handmaidens  also  went  with 
her.  And  having  ascended  to  tlie  upper  room  with  her  wo¬ 
men  attendants,  she  then  W'ept  for  Ulysses,  her  dear  husband  ; 
until  blue-eyed  Minerva  cast  sweet  sleep  upon  her  eyelids. 

Twelve  stakes  (rather,  pole-axes)  were  fixed  in  the  earth,  each 
havinpj  a  ring  at  the  top  ;  the  order  in  which  they  stood  were  so  exact, 
that  an  arrow  sent  with  an  even  hand  through  the  first  ring,  would  pass 
them  all.  Cowper.  I  have  followed  the  explanation  of  Liddell  and 
Scott,  V.  Spvoxoi. 

M  2 


274 


ODYSSEY.  XX. 


r.i— 2G. 


BOOK  XX. 

ARGUMENT. 

Ulysses  is  reassured  by  a  vision  of  Minerva,  but  upon  waking  he  hesi¬ 
tates  whether  or  not  to  destroy  the  women  servants ;  he  however  re¬ 
solves  to  spai'e  them  for  the  present.  The  suitors,  who  had  been  med¬ 
itating  fresh  plots  against  Telemachus,  while  feasting  are  struck  by  a 
panic ;  from  whence  Theoclymenus  foretells  their  ruin,  but  they  de¬ 
ride  his  prophecy. 

But  divine  Ulysses  slept  in  the  vestibule ;  he  strewed  upon 
the  ground  an  undressed  bull’s  hide,  but  above  it  many  skins 
of  sheep,  which  the  Grecians  had  sacrificed.  And  Eurynome 
threw  a  cloak  over  him  when  he  lay  down.  There  Ulysses 
meditating  evil  in  his  mind  against  the  suitors,  lay  awake ; 
and  the  women,  who  were  before  mingled  with  the  suitors, 
went  out  of  the  palace,  furnishing  laughter  and  merriment  to 
each  other.  And  his  mind  was  excited  in  his  breast ;  and 
much  he  meditated  in  his  soul  and  in  his  mind,  whether,  rush¬ 
ing  upon  them,  he  should  cause  death  to  each  of  them,  or 
should  still  suffer  them  to  be  mingled  with  the  overbearing 
suitors  for  tlie  last  and  latest  time:  and  his  heart  was  great¬ 
ly  disturbed^  within  him.  And  as  a  bitch  going  about  her 
tender  whelps,  growls  at  a  man  when  she  knows  [him]  not, 
and  is  eager  to  fight  with  him;  so  his  heart  growled  within 
him,  marveling  at  their  evil  deeds.  And  smiting  his  breast, 
he  chided  his  heart  in  words: 

“Endure  it  now,  my  heart;  iliou  once  didst  endure  some¬ 
thing  else  even  more  severe,  in  that  day  when  the  Cyclops, 
intolerable  in  might,  ate  thy  stout  companions,  but  thou  didst 
endure  it,  until  stratagem  took  ihce  out  of  the  cave,  when 
thou  thoughtest  that  thou  wouldst  die.” 

Thus  he  spoke,  rebuking  the  dear  heart  in  his  breast :  and 
his  heart  remained  at  rest,^  unceasingly  enduring  it;  but  he 
turned  himself  on  one  side  and  the  other.  As  when  a  man, 
wliile  a  large  fire  is  blazing,  turns  a  paunch  full  of  fat  and 

^  Literally,  “barked.”  Cf.  Stat.  Sylv.  ii.  1,  12,  “  stat  j>ectore  de- 
inens  Luctus,  ct  admoto  latrant  pracordia  tactu.” 

*  This  is  somewhat  a  free  translation  of  Iv  tcpa^ltj  pivi,  which 

properly  means,  “remained  at  anchor,”  Trtiaij  signifying  “a  cable.” 
Cf.  Ilesych.  Treitry,  TreifrpaTi  Kai  Alberti  on  T.  i.  p.  1265,  v. 

iv  TTuay,  where  this  interpretation  is  fully  confirmed. 


— 05.] 


ODYSSEY.  XX. 


275 


blood,  from  side  to  side,  and  is  anxious  that  it  should  be} 
roasted  very  quickly;  so  did  ho  roll  himself  on  one  side  and 
the  other,  meditating  how  he  might  lay  his  hands  upon  the 
shameless  suitors,  being  alone  among  many ;  but  Minerva 
came  near  to  him,  descending  from  heaven  :  and  in  her  per 
son  she  was  like  unto  a  woman,  and  she  stood  over  his  head, 
and  addressed  him  in  words : 

‘‘  Why  dost  thou  still  watch,  thou  who  art  ill-fated  above 
all  mortals?  this  is  thy  house,  and  this  is  thy  wife  in  the 
house,  and  thy  son,  such  an  one  as  any  one  desires  his  son  to 
be/’ 

l>ut  her  much-})lanning  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer; 
“  Of  a  truth,  O  goddess,  thou  hast  rightly  spoken  all  these 
things.  But  my  mind  meditates  this  in  my  breast,  in  what 
way  I,  being  alone,  shall  lay  my  hands  upon  the  shameless 
suitors;  but  they  are  always  collected  together  within.  And 
besides  I  meditate  this  also  a  greater  thing  in  my  mind,  if  I 
should  slay  them,  by  Jove’s  and  thy  will,  how  should  I  es¬ 
cape  out  of  the  way?  I  entreat  thee  to  consider  this.” 

But  him  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  in  turn  addressed : 
“  Wretched  one,  a  person  would  obey  even  a  worse  compan¬ 
ion,  who  is  even  a  mortal,  and  who  kens  not  so  many  coun¬ 
sels  :  but  I  am  a  deity,  who  guard  thee  throughout  in  all  thy 
labors  ;  and  I  will  tell  thee  openly ;  even  if  fifty  bands  of  ar¬ 
ticulately-speaking  men  should  surround  us,  anxious  to  slay 
us  iu’the  fight,  even  so  shouldst  thou  drive  away  their  beeves 
and  rich  sheep.  But  let  sleep  take  liold  of  thee :  even  to 
watch  all  night  awake  is  a  sorrow ;  but  thou  Avilt  soon  es¬ 
cape  from  misfortunes.” 

Thus  she  spoke  and  shed  sleep  over  his  eyelids;  and  the 
divine  one  of  goddesses  herself  Avent  back  to  Olympus,  Avhen 
sleep  seized  upon  him,  loosing  the  cares  of  his  mind,  relaxing 
his  limbs:  but  his  Avlfe  knowing  prudent  things  Avas  aAvake : 
and  sitting  on  her  soft  couch,  she  Avept ;  but  Avhen  she  Avas 
satiated  in  her  mind  with  AV'ceping,  the  divine  one  of  Avomen 
first  of  all  prayed  to  Diana: 

“O  Diana,  A^enerable  goddess,  daughter  of  Joa’c,  Avould  that 
thou,  noAV  striking  an  arroAv  into  my  breast,  Avouldst  take  HAvay 
my  life  immediately :  or  that  a  tempest  snatching  me  away 
Avould  speedily  go,  and  bear  me  to  the  dark  Avays,  and  cast 
me  in  the  mouths  of  the  black-floAving  ocean.  As  Avhen  the 


276 


ODYSSEY.  XX. 


[G6— 107. 


tempests  took  away  the  daughters  of  Pandarus,  whose  parents 
the  gods  liad  destroyed  :  but  they  were  left  orphans  in  the 
palace,  and  divine  Venus  nurtured  them  with  cheese,  and 
sweet  honey,  and  pleasant  wine:  and  Juno  gave  them  beauty 
and  prudence  above  all  women,  and  chaste  Diana  gave  them 
stature,  and  Minerva  taught  them  to  work  excellent  works. 
When  divine  Venus  went  to  high  Olympus,  to  beg  for  the 
damsels  the  accomplishment  of  flourishing  marriage,  to  thun¬ 
der-rejoicing  Jove  (for  he  well  kens  every  thing,  the  happi¬ 
ness  and  unhappiness  of  mortal  men):  in  the  mean  time  the 
Harpies  snatched  away  the  damsels,  and  gave  them  to  the 
hateful  Furies,  to  serve  them:  so  may  those  who  possess  the 
Olympian  dwellings  destroy  me,  or  may  fair-haired  Diana 
strike  me,  that  eying  Ulysses,  I  may  even  come  under  the 
hateful  earth,  nor  may  I  at  all  delight  the  mind  of  a  worse 
man.  But  this  evil  is  even  to  be  borne,  when  any  one  weeps 
during  the  day,  continually  sorrowing  in  his  heart,  and  sleep 
possesses  him  during  the  nights  (for  he  becomes  unmindful 
of  all  things,  good  and  evil,  when  it  covers  his  eyelids  around)  : 
but  upon  me  the  deity  has  also  made  evil  dreams  rush.  For 
during  this  night  one  lay  near  to  me  like  unto  him,  such  as 
he  was  when  he  went  with  the  army ;  but  my  heart  rejoiced, 
since  I  did  not  think  it  was  a  dream,  but  now  a  real  vision.” 

Thus  she  spoke  ;  and  golden-throncd  Morn  immediately 
came.  And  divine  Ulysses  heard  the  voice  of  her  weeping; 
then  he  doubled,  for  she  seemed  to  him  in  his  mind,*  now 
knowing  him,  to  stand  near  his  head.  J'hcn  taking  up  the 
cloak  and  skins  on  which  he  slept,  he  placed  them  on  a  throne 
in  the  palace  ;  but  taking  the  bull’s  hide,  lie  put  it  out  of 
doors:  and  holding  up  his  hands  he  prayed  to  Jove: 

“  O  father  Jove,  thou  hast  brought  me  willingly  over  the 
dry  and  the  moist  to  mine  own  land,  since  thou  hast  afllictcd 
me  very  much,  let  some  one  of  the  men  who  are  awake  with¬ 
in  speak  an  omen  to  me :  and  let  some  other  sign  appear 
from  without  from  Jove.” 

Thus  he  spoke  praying;  and  provident  Jupiter  heard  him: 
and  he  immediately  thundered  from  shining  Olympus,  on  high 
from  the  clouds:  and  divine  Ulysses  rejoiced.  And  a  mill- 
woman  near  [him]  uttered  a  word  of  good  omen  from  the 
house,  where  were  the  mills  of  the  shepherd  of  the  people ; 
and  twelve  women  in  all  were  constantly  working  at  them. 


ICf8— 145.] 


ODYSSEY.  XX. 


277 


making  meal  of  barley  and  wheat,  the  maiTow  of  men.  The 
rest  indeed  were  sleeping,  when  they  had  ground  their  wheat : 
but  she  alone  had  not  yet  ceased,  for  she  was  the  weakest : 
she  then,  stopping  the  mill,  spoke  a  word,  a  sign  to  her  mas- 
ter : 

“  O  father  Jove,  who  rulest  over  gods  and  men,  thou  indeed 
hast  thundered  very  loudly  from  the  starry  heaven,  nor  is 
there  a  cloud  any  where  ;  thou  showest  this  as  a  sign  to  some 
one:  perform  even  now  for  wretched  me  a  request,  which  I 
crave :  may  the  suitors  for  the  last  and  latest  time  on  this 
day  take  a  delightful  banquet  in  the  palace  of  Ulysses :  they 
who  have  now  loosed  my  knees  with  grievous  toil,  grinding 
their  meal ;  now  may  they  feast  for  the  last  time.” 

Til  us  she  spoke,  and  divine  Ulysses  rejoiced  in  the  omen, 
and  in  the  thunder  of  Jove ;  for  he  thought  that  he  should  be 
revenged  on  the  sinners.  But  the  other  handmaidens  in  the 
beautiful  house  of  Ulysses  waking,  lighted  an  unwearied  fire 
upon  the  hearth.  And  Telemachus,  godlike  man,  arose  from 
his  bed,  having  put  on  his  garments ;  and  around  his  shoul¬ 
der  he  girt  a  sharp  sword  :  and  he  bound  beautiful  sandals 
under  his  smooth  feet,  and  he  took  a  strong  spear  tipped  with 
sharp  brass.  And  going  to  the  threshold  he  stood  there,  and 
addressed  Euryclea : 

“  Dear  nurse,  how  hast  thou  honored  the  stranger  in  the 
house  with  a  bed  and  food?  or  does  he  lie  where  he  can,  un¬ 
cared  for?  for  such  is  my  mother,  although  prudent;  she 
foolishly  honors  one  of  articulately-speaking  men,  who  is 
worse,  and  sends  away  a  better,  having  neglected  [him].” 

But  him  prudent  Euryclea  addressed  in  turn:  “Thou 
shouldst  not,  my  child,  blame  one  that  is  blameless.  For  sit¬ 
ting  down  he  drank  wine,  as  long  as  he  listed;  and  he  said 
that  he  no  longer  hungered  for  bread;  for  it  was  asked  of 
him.  But  when  she  was  now  mindful  of  rest  and  sleep,  she 
desired  the  handmaidens  to  strew  a  couch  [for  him] ;  but  he, 
as  one  altogether  overcome  with  toil,  and  ill-fated,  did  not 
wish  to  sleep  on  a  bed  and  in  rugs,  but  lay  down  in  the  ves¬ 
tibule  on  an  undressed  bull's  hide  and  skins  of  sheep  :  stud  we 
put  a  cloak  over  him.” 

/  Thus  she  spoke;  and  Telemachus  went  through  out  of  the 
palace,  holding  his  spear :  and  swift-footed  dogs  followed  him. 
And  he  went  to  the  forum  among  the  well-grcaved  Grecians, 


278 


ODYSSEY.  XX. 


[146—1^5. 

aiul  the  divine  one  of  'women,  Enryclca,  danglitcr  of  Ops,  so?, 
of  Pisenor,  exhorted  the  handmaidens: 

“Assemble  yourselves  together,  do  some  of  you,  busying 
yourselves,  sweep  the  house,  and  sprinkle  it ;  and  lay  the 
purple  tapestry  on  the  well-made  thrones ;  and  do  others 
'  wipe  all  the  tables  with  sponges,  and  clean  the  cups,  and  the 
embossed  round  bowls:  and  others  of  you  going  to  the  fount¬ 
ain  for  water,  bring  it  quickly :  for  the  suitors  will  not  be  a 
long  time  away  from  the  palace,  but  they  return  very  early, 
since  there  is  a  feast  for  all.”^ 

Thus  she  spoke  ;  and  they  heard  her  very  well,  and  obeyed 
her.  Twenty  went  to  the  black-water  fountain  ;  and  others 
labored  skillfully  there  in  the  house.  And  the  servants  of 
the  Greeks  came ;  they  then  cleft  wood  well  and  skillfully ; 
and  the  women  came  from  the  fountain  ;  and  the  swine-herd 
came  to  them,  bringing  three  fatted  swine,  which  were  the 
best  among  all.  And  them  he  left  to  pasture  in  the  beauti¬ 
ful  courts,  and  himself  addressed  Ulysses  in  mild  [words]: 

“Stranger,  do  the  Grecians  now  regard  thee  more,  or  do 
they  dishonor  thee  in  the  palace,  even  as  before?” 

But  him  much-planning  Ulysses  addressed  in  answer  : 
“Would  that  indeed,  O  Eumceus,  the  gods  would  revenge  the 
insolence  with  which  they,  insulting,  contrive  disgraceful 
things  in  another  man’s  house,  nor  have  they  a  particle  of 
shame.” 

Thus  they  discoursed  to  one  another.  And  near  them 
came  Melanthius  the  goat-herd,  bringing  goats,  which  sur¬ 
passed  all  the  flocks,  as  a  feast  for  the  suitors ;  and  two  at¬ 
tendants' followed  him,  and  he  bound  them^  under  the  re¬ 
sounding  portico,  and  himself  then  addressed  Ulysses  with 
scoffing  words : 

“  Stranger,  wilt  thou  still  now  give  trouble  here  in  the 
house,  begging  alms  of  the  men  ?  and  wilt  not  thou  go  out 
of  doors?  I  no  longer  think  that  we  shall  at  all  settle  our 
quarrel,  before  we  try  our  hands ;  since  thou  beggest  not 
rightly;  there  are  also  other  feasts  of  the  Grecians.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  but  much-planning  Ulysses  did  not  ad¬ 
dress  him  at  all,  but  moved  his  head  in  silence,  deeply  de¬ 
vising  evils.  And  after  them  Phila^tius,  chief  of  men,  came 

^  i.  e.  n  public  feast  to  Apollo.  Sec  Scholiast, 

*  The  goats. 


1 80—227.] 


ODYSSEY.  XX. 


279 


tliiRl,  bringing  a  licilbr  aiul  fat  goats  for  tlic  suitors.  (I>nt 
ferryineii  brought  them  over,  who  also  conduct  other  men, 
whoever  comes  to  them  :)  and  he  bound  them  safely  under  the 
resounding  portico,  and  himself  then  inquired  of  the  swine¬ 
herd,  standing  near  him : 

“What  stranger  is  this,  O  swine-herd,  that  has  lately  come 
to  our  house?  from  what  men  does  he  boast  himself  to  be? 
where  are  his  race  and  paternal  country?  unhappy  one,  he  is 
indeed  in  his  person  like  unto  a  king.  But  the  gods  inflict 
much-wandering  men  with  woe ;  when  they  destine  toil  even 
for  kings.” 

He  spoke;  and  standing  near  him,  welcomed  him  with  his 
hand,  and  'addressing  him  spoke  winged  words :  “  Hail,  O 
father  stranger,  may est  thou  have  happiness  hereafter:  but 
now  thou  art  possessed  with  many  ills.  O  father  Jove,  no 
other  one  of  the  gods  is  more  destructive  than  thou  ;  then 
pitiest  not  men,  when  thou  hast  begotten  them  thyself,  but 
dost  mix  them  up  in  misfortune  and  sad  griefs.  1  sweat 
when  I  behold  him,  and  mine  eyes  wept  as  I  remembered 
Ulysses ;  since  I  think  that  he,  having  such  garments,  is  wan¬ 
dering  among  men,  if  he  is  any  where  still  alive,  and  beholds 
the  light  of  the  sun.  But  if  he  is  now'  dead,  and  in  the  house 
of  Pluto,  alas !  then  for  blameless  Ulysses,  who  set  me  over 
his  beeves  wdien  I  "was  still  little,  in  the  people  of  the  Cephale- 
nians :  but  now  they  are  numberless,  nor  in  any  other  way 
would  the  race  of  broad-foreheaded  beeves  increase  under  a 
man :  them  others  desire  me  to  bring  for  themselves  to  eat : 
nor  care  they  at  all  for  his  son  in  the  palace,  nor  do  they  fear 
the  vengeance  of  the  gods  ;  for  they  are  now'  anxious  to  divide 
the  possessions  of  the  long-absent  king.  But  my  mind  often* 
revolves  this  in  my  dear  breast :  it  is  very  wicked,  when  the 
son  is  alive,  going  to  another  people  w'ith  the  cattle  them¬ 
selves,  to  take  them  to  foreign  men :  but  this  is  more  sad,  re¬ 
maining  here  and  sitting  over  another  man’s  beeves,  to  suffer 
griefs.  I  indeed  would  long  ago  have  fled  and  gone  to  some 
other  proud  king ;  since  these  things  are  no  longer  to  be 
borne,  but  still  1  think  of  him,  wretched  one,  if  coming  from 
any  w’here  he  should  make  a  dispersir.g  of  the  suitors  to  their 
houses.” 

But  him  much.-planning  ITlysses  addressed  in  answ'er :  “O 
herdsman,  since  '-iiou  art  not  like  unto  an  evil  or  a  foolish 


280 


ODYSSEY.  XX. 


[228—207. 


man,  but  I  myself  also  know  that  prudence  reaches  thy  mind, 
therefore  I  will  tell  thee,  and  swear  a  great  oath  besides. 
Now  let  Jove,  first  of  the  gods,  be  witness,  and  the  hospitable 
table,  and  the  hearth  of  blameless  Ulysses,  to  which  1  am 
come,  Ulysses  will  certainly  come  home  while  thou  art  here ; 
and  if  thou  desirest,  thou  wilt  with  thine  eyes  behold  the  suit¬ 
ors  being  slain,  who  reign  here.” 

But  him  the  man,  herdsman  over  the  oxen,  addressed  in 
turn  :  “  Would  that,  O  stranger,  the  son  of  Saturn  may  bring 
this  word  to  pass :  thou  shouldst  know  what  my  power  and 
hands  are.” 

In  like  manner  Eumoeus  prayed  to  all  the  gods,  that  wise 
Ulysses  should  return  to  his  own  home. 

Thus  they  spoke  such  things  to  one  another.  But  the 
suitors  were  preparing  death  and  fate  for  Telemachus ;  but  a 
bird  flew  on  their  left  hand,  a  high-flying  eagle,  and  it  held 
a  timid  dove.  But  Amphinomus  harangued  and  addressed 
them : 

“  O  friends,  this  plan,  the  death  of  Telemachus,  will  not 
succeed  for  us  ;  but  let  us  be  mindful  of  the  feast.” 

Thus  spoke  Amphinomus ;  and  his  words  pleased  them. 
But  coming  to  the  house  of  divine  Ulysses,  they  spread  cloaks 
upon  the  benches  and  the  thrones :  and  they  sacrificed  large 
sheep  and  fat  goats,  and  they  sacrificed  fatted  swine  and  a 
cow  from  the  herd :  and  having  roasted  the  entrails,  they  dis¬ 
tributed  them:  but  they  mixed  wine  in  the  bowls;  and  the 
swine-herd  distributed  the  cups.  I'lien  Philoitius,  chief  of 
men,  distributed  bread  to  them  in  beautiful  baskets;  and 
Melanthius  poured  out  wine.  But  they  stretched  forth  their 
hands  to  the  food  lying  ready  before  them.  And  Telema¬ 
chus,  considering  what  was  profitable,  placed  Ulysses  within 
the  well-built  palace,  near  the  stone  threshold,  putting  an  un¬ 
seemly  seat  near,  and  a  small  table ;  and  near  him  he  placed 
a  share  of  the  entrails,  and  poured  wine  in  a  golden  cup,  and 
addressed  discourse  to  him  : 

“  Sit  here  now,  drinking  wine  among  the  men  ;  but  I  will 
ward  off  from  thee  the  scoffings  and  the  hands  of  all  the  suit¬ 
ors  ;  since  this  house  is  by  no  means  public,  but  belonging  to 
Ulysses :  and  he  obtained  it  for  me.  But  do  ye,  O  suitors, 
restrain  your  mind  and  hands  from  offending,  lest  some  strife 
and  contention  should  arise.” 


2G8— 30G.] 


ODYSSEY.  XX. 


281 


Thus  he  spoke ;  but  they  all  gnashing  -with  their  teeth  in 
their  lips,  marveled  at  Telemachus,  for  that  he  boldly  spoke. 
And  Aritinous,  son  of  Eupithes,  addressed  them : 

“  Let  us  put  up  witli  the  language  of  Telemachus,  O  Gre¬ 
cians,  although  it  is  severe :  he  speaks,  threatening  us  very 
much.  For  Jove,  the  son  of  Saturn,  did  not  suffer  us,  other- 
u’ise  we  should  already  have  stopped  him  in  the  palace,  al¬ 
though  he  is  a  sharp  speaker.” 

Thus  spoke  Antinous  ;  but  he  did  not  regard  his  words. 
And  the  heralds  brought  a  sacred  hecatomb  of  the  gods 
through  the  city ;  and  the  long-haired  Grecians  Averc  assem¬ 
bled  under  the  shady  grove  of  far-darting  Apollo :  but  Avheii 
they  had  roasted  the  upper  flesh,  and  had  drawn  it  out,  hav¬ 
ing  divided  the  shares  they  made  a  most  delightful  feast. 
And  those  who  served,  set  an  equal  share  near  to  Ulysses, 
as  they  themselves  Avere  allotted :  for  so  Telemachus,  dear 
son  of  divine  Ulysses,  commanded  them.  But  Minerva  did 
not  suffer  the  haughty  suitors  altogether  to  refrain  from 
mind-grieving  insolence :  that  sorroAv  might  still  more  come 
upon  Ulysses,  son  of  Laertes,  in  his  heart.  And  there  Avas 
a  certain  man  among  the  suitors,  Avho  was  acquainted  Avith 
hxAvless  deeds,  his  name  Avas  Ctesippus,  and  he  inhabited  a 
house  in  Samos ;  avIio,  trusting  in  the  possessions  of  his  fa¬ 
ther,  Avooed  the  Avife  of  long-absent  Ulysses :  he  then  ad¬ 
dressed  the  OA’C.rbearing  suitors: 

“  Hear  me,  noble  suitors,  Avhile  I  speak  something :  the 
stranger,  forsooth,  of  old  has  an  equal  share,  as  it  seems ; 
for  it  is  not  honorable  or  just  to  sadden  the  guests  of  Telem¬ 
achus,  Avhoever  comes  to  this  house.  But  come,  I  also  Avill 
giv^e  him  a  hospitable  pi-esent;  that  he  himself  also  may  give 
a  reAvard  either  to  the  bath-keeper,  or  to  any  other  of  the 
servants,  Avho  are  in  the  house  of  divine  Ulysses.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  Avith  his  strong  hand  he  throAV  the 
foot  of  an  ox,  Avhich  Avas  lying  near,  taking  it  from  the  bask¬ 
et  :  but  Ulysses  avoided  it,  gently  bending  his  head :  and  he 
smiled  in  his  mind  Avith  a  very  Sardonic  smile ;  but  he 
struck  the  AA^ell-built  Avail :  and  Telemachus  chided  Ctesippus 
in  Avords : 

“  O  Ctesippus,  truly  this  was  A'ery  much  better  for  thee  in 
tliy  mind;  [that]  thou  didst  not  hit  the  stranger:  for  he 
avoided  the  bloAv ;  for  I  Avould  certainly  haA^e  struck  thee  in 


282 


ODYSSEY.  XX. 


[30  G— 345 


the  middle  with  a  sharp  spear,  and  thy  father  would  have 
been  occupied  about  burial  here  for  thee  instead  of  marriage : 
therefore  let  not  any  one  show  unseemly  behavior  to  me  in 
mine  house ;  for  I  now  understand  and  know  every  thing, 
both  good  and  bad :  but  before  I  was  still  a  child.  But, 
however,  we  have  endured  to  see  these  things,  when  our 
sheep  were  killed,  and  our  wine  drunk,  and  our  bread  [ate]:^ 
for  it  is  difficult  for  one  to  hinder  many.  But  come,  no  more 
do  evil  things  to  me,  being  hostile  to  me ;  but  if  thou  now 
desirest  to  slay  me  myself  with  the  brass,  I  would  even  wish 
it,  and  it  would  be  'much  better  to  die,  than  for  ever  to  be¬ 
hold  these  unseemly  deeds,  strangers  treated  disgracefully,  and 
men  dragging  women-servants  in  an  unseemly  w'ay  through 
the  beautiful  palace.” 

Thus  he  spoke;  but  they  w’ere  all  mute  in  silence.  But 
Agelaus,  son  of  Damastor,  at  length  addressed  them : 

“  My  friends,  no  one  surely,  chiding  with  opposing  words, 
would  be  angry  with  w’hat  has  been  justly  spoken.  Neither 
insult  the  stranger  any  more,  nor  any  other  of  the  servants, 
who  are  in  the  house  of  divine  Ulysses.  But  I  would  fain 
speak  a  kind  word  to  Telemachus  and  his  mother,  if  it  would 
please  them  both  in  their  hearts.  As  long  as  our  mind  expect¬ 
ed  in  our  breasts  that  wise  Ulysses  would  return  to  his  own 
home,  so  long  there  was  no  blame  for  her  to  remain,  and  re¬ 
strain  the  suitors  in  the  house  (since  this  was  better,  if  Ulysses 
returned,  and  on  his  return  reached  his  house)  :  but  this  is 
now  evident,  that  he  is  no  longer  able  to  return.  But  come,  sit¬ 
ting  near  thy  mother,  tell  her  this,  to  marry  whatsoever  m.an 
is  best,  and  will  give  her  the  most  [bridal  presents]  :  that  thou 
rejoicing  mayest  manage  all  thy  paternal  property,  eating  and 
di  inking:  and  she  may  come  to  the  house  of  another.” 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn:  “No,  ly 
Jove,  O  Agelaus,  and  the  griefs  of  my  father,  who  has  either 
perished  or  is  wandering  somewhere  far  away  from  Jthaca, 
1  do  not  delay  the  marriage  of  my  mother ;  but  I  order  her 
to  marry  whomsoever  she  chooses,  and  who  gives  her  abund¬ 
ant  presents.  But  I  am  ashamed  to  thrust  her  from  the  pal¬ 
ace  against  her  will  with  a  violent  word;  may  not  God  biing 
this  to  pass.”  * 

Thus  spoke  Telemachus;  but  Balias  IMinerva  raised  in- 

®  Observe  the  zeugma. 


.*34:0—380.] 


ODYSSEY.  XX. 


283 


extinguishablc  laughter  among  the  suitors,  and  made  theii* 
thoughts  wander.  And  they  now  laughed  with  other  men's 
jaws  and  they  ate  meat  polluted  with  blood:  and  their  eyes 
were  filled  with  tears ;  and  their  mind  thought  of  grief.  And 
godlike  Theoclymenus  addressed  them : 

“  Ah  wretched  ones ;  what  evil  is  this  ye  are  suffering  ? 
your  heads  and  faces  and  knees  below  are  involved  in  night. 
And  mourning  has  burst  forth  ;  and  your  cheeks  are  wet  with 
tears :  and  the  walls  and  beautiful  intercolumniations  are  be¬ 
sprinkled  with  blood.  And  the  portico  is  full,  and  the  hall 
also  is  full  of  images,  that  are  going  under  darkness  to  Ere¬ 
bus  :  and  the  sun  has  died  away  from  heaven,  and  evil  murk¬ 
iness  has  run  around  us.’’ 

Tlius  he  spoke  ;  but  they  all  laughed  pleasantly  at  him, 
but  Eurymachus,  son  of  Eolybus,  began  to  address  them : 

“  Tlie  stranger  is  silly,  having  lately  come  from  elsewhere : 
but,  O  youths,  send  liim  quickly  out  of  the  house  through  the 
door  to  go  to  the  forum ;  since  he  likens  these  things  to  the 
night.”'^ 

C7  _ 

But  him  godlike  Theoclymenus  addressed  in  turn  :  “  O  Eu¬ 
rymachus,  I  by  no  means  desire  thee  to  give  me  conductors: 
I  have  eyes,  and  ears,  and  both  my  feet,  and  a  mind  made  not 
at  all  unseemly  in  ray  breast :  with  tliesc  will  I  go  out  of 
doors,  since  I  perceive  that  evil  is  coming  on  you,  which  no 
one  of  the  suitors  will  escape  or  avoid,  [of  you,]  who  insulting 
men,  in  the  house  of  godlike  TJlysse.s,  arc  contriving  impious 
things.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  went  out  of  the  well-built  house: 
and  he  came  to  Piraius,  who  willingly  received  him.  But  all 
the  suitors,  looking  at  one  another,  irritated  Telemachus, 
laughing  at  the  strangers;  and  thus  some  one  of  the  haughty 
youths  spoke : 

“  O  Telemachus,  there  is  no  one  else  that  has  worse  guests 
than  thou  :  what  a  begging^  vagabond  this  is  whom  thou  hast, 
in  want  of  bread  and  wine:  not  at  all  skilled  in  works,  nor 
strong,  and  to  no  purpose  a  burden  of  the  earth.  This  other 

®  i.  c.  not  ■with  an  honest,  liearty  laugh,  but  with  a  laugh  that  seemed 
to  forebode  their  fate.  See  Eustathius  and  Loewe. 

’  I  must  confess  that  I  am  hardly  satisfied  with  this  passage, 

®  It  is  worth  while  to  observe,  that  this  word  occurs  nowhere  else  in 
Homer:  the  same  may  be  observed  of  KaTuvTi](yT^v,\.  387.  Old  Transl 


284 


ODYSSEY.  XXI.  [;38 1—394.  xxi.  1—11. 


one  too  rose  up  to  prophesy,  liut  if  thou  wouldst  obey  me, 
this  would  be  much  better :  putting  the  strangers  in  a  many-' 
benched  ship,  let  us  send  them  to  the  Sicilians,  whence  one 
could  gain  a  fit  price.” 

Thus  spoke  the  suitors  ;  but  he  did  not  regard  their  words  ; 
blit  silently  looked  toward  his  father,  always  expecting,  when 
he  should  at  length  lay  his  hands  upon  the  shameless  suitors. 
But  prudent  Penelope,  daughter  of  Icarus,  placing  a  very 
beautiful  seat  opposite,  heard  the  words  of  each  of  the  men  in 
the  palace.  They  hov/ever  laughing,  prepared  a  feast,  pleas¬ 
ant,  and  gratifying  to  the  mind,  since  they  had  sacrificed  very 
many  things  :  but  there  could  not  be  another  more  ungrateful 
feast,  [than  that]  which  the  goddess  and  the  noble  man  were 
soon  about  to  make  ;  for  they  first  contrived  unseemly  things. 


BOOK  XXI. 


ARGUMENT. 

Penelope  proposes  to  the  suitors  to  contend  for  her  hand  witli  the  bow 
and  arrows  of  Ulysses.  They  make  vain  attempts  to  bend  the  bow, 
but  Ulysses,  calling  Eumseus  and  Philsetius  aside,  orders  them  to  shut 
the  doors,  and  desires  Eumajus  to  give  the  bow  to  liim.  After  some 
opposition  from  the  suitors,  he  obtains  it,  and  shoots  an  arrow  tlu'ough 
the  twelve  rings  erected  for  the  occasion. 

And  then  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  put  it  in  the  mind 
of  prudent  Penelope,  daughter  of  Icarus,  to  place  the  bow 
and  the  hoary  steel  for  the  suitors  in  the  palace  of  Ulysses, 
as  a  subject  of  contest  and  a  beginning  of  slaughter.^  And 
she  ascended  the  lofty  stairs  of  the  house  ;  and  in  her  plump^ 
hand  took  a  well-bent  key,  beautiful,  of  brass :  and  upon  it 
was  a  handle  of  ivory :  and  she  hastened  to  the  farthest 
chamber  with  her  women  attendants  ;  where  lay  the  treasures 
of  the  king,  both  brass,  and  gold,  and  much-wrought  steel. 
There  lay  the  unstrung^  bow,  and  an  arrow-containing  quiver, 

^  “Not  so  from  the  design  of  Penelope,  but  of  Minerva,  ut  inde Jierei 
cicdis  occasio  et  initium."  Ernesti. 

®  Not  “thick”  or  “crassa,”  but  “plump,  well-fleshed,”  in  opposition 
to  “  macilenta.”  See  Ernesti. 

^  Literally,  “bent  li^ck,”  i.  e.  by  the  relaxation  of  the  string. 


f!»  -54  J 


ODYSSEY.  XXI. 


285 


and  there  were  many  grievous  shafts  in  it:  presents,  which  a 
stranger  meeting  him  in  Lacedoemon  gave  him,  Iphitns,  son 
of  Eurytiis,  like  unto  the  immortals.  But  they  met  one  an¬ 
other  in  Messene,  in  the  house  of  warlike  Orsilochus  :  Ulysses 
indeed  came  after  a  debt,  which  the  whole  people  owed  to 
him :  for  Messenian  men  had  taken  away  from  Ithaca  three 
hundred  sheep,  and  their  shepherds,  in  rnany-benched  ships. 
On  account  of  these  Ulys-ses  came  a  long  voyage,  on  a  public 
mission,'*  being  yet  a  boy  :  for  his  father  and  the  other  chiefs 
sent  him  on.  But  Iphitns  [came]  to  seek  the  horses  Avhich 
he  had  lost,  twelve  mares,  and  under  them  hard-working 
mules,  which  soon  became  death  and  fate  for  him :  since  he 
came  to  the  noble-minded  son  of  Jove,  the  hero  Hercules, 
skilled  in  mighty  deeds ;  who  slew  him,  although  being  his 
guest  in  his  own  house;  wretched  one,  nor  did  he  reverence 
the  anger  of  the  gods,  nor  the  table,  which  he  placed  near 
him:  but  afterward  he  also  killed  himself:  and  himself  kept 
the  solid-hoofed  steeds  in  his  palace.  Asking  for  them  he 
met  Ulysses,  and  gave  him  a  bow  which  mighty  Eurytus  be¬ 
fore  bore,  but  he,  dying  in  his  lofty  house,  left  it  to  his  son. 
But  to  him  Ulysses  gave  a  sharp  sword  and  a  strong  spear, 
a  beginning  of  kindly  hospitality,  nor  did  they  know  one  an¬ 
other’s  table:  for  the  son  of  Jove  first  slew  Iphitus,  son  of 
Eurytus,  like  unto  the  immortals  ;  he  gave  him  the  bow ;  but 
divine  Ulysses  did  not  take  it,  when  going  to  the  Avar  on  the 
black  ships ;  but  there  it  lay  as  a  memorial  of  the  kind 
stranger  in  the  palace :  and  he  carried  it  over  his  OAvn  land. 

But  Avhen  the  divine  one  of  women  now  reached  the  cham¬ 
ber,  and  came  to  the  oaken  threshold,  Avhich  once  an  artificer 
polished  skillfully,  and  made  straight  according  to  the  rule, 
and  in  it  fitted  pillars,  and  upon  it  placed  shining  doors :  im¬ 
mediately  then  she  quickly  loosed  the  thong  of  the  ring,  and 
put  in  the  key,  and  struck  back  the  bolts  of  the  door,  taking 
aim  opposite  to  them :  and  they  resounded,  like  as  a  bull  pas¬ 
turing  in  a  meadoAv:  so  many  beautiful  doors  stricken  with 
the  key  resounded,  and  they  Avere  quickly  opened  to  her.  And 
she  then  AA'ent  upon  the  lofty  floor,  Avlierc  stood  the  chests, 
and  in  them  lay  perfumed  garments.  From  thence  stretching 
out,  she  took  doAvn  the  boAV  from  the  peg,  Avith  the  boAV-ca.se 

*  lltaia,  7)  SjjiAoaia  7rpe(7(3tla,  Eustathius,  Avlio  compares  t^ecriQ  in  IIo- 
roUotus,  A'.  40.  Cl'.  Alberti  011  llesych.  i.  p.  1280. 


286 


ODYSSEY.  XXI. 


[54—89. 


itself,  which  shining  surrounded  it.  And  then  sitting  down 
there,  placing  it  on  her  knees,  she  wept  very  shrilly ;  and  she 
took  out  the  bow  of  the  king.  But  when  she  was  satiated 
with  tearful  grief,  she  proceeded  to  the  palace,  to  the  illustri¬ 
ous  suitors,  holding  the  unstrung  bow  in  her  hand,  and  the 
arrow-containing  quiver ;  and  in  it  there  were  many  griev¬ 
ous  shafts.  And  her  handmaidens  brought  a  chest  with  her ; 
wherein  lay  much  steel  and  brass,  prizes  of  her  king.  But 
when  the  divine  one  of  women  came  to  the  suitors,  she  stood 
near  the  pillar  of  the  stoutly-made  roof,  holding  up  a  slender 
vail  before  her  cheeks  :  [and  a  prudent  handmaiden  stood  near 
her  on  each  side  :]  and  she  immediately  addressed  the  suitors, 
and  spoke :  ' 

“  Hear  me,  ye  noble  suitors,  who  press  heavily  upon  this 
house  to  eat  and  drink  without  ceasing,  my  husband  be¬ 
ing  absent  for  a  long  time;  nor  have  ye  been  able  to  make 
any  other  pretext  for  your  sedition,^  but  as  desiring  to  marry 
me,  and  make  me  your  wife.  But  come,  suitors,  since  this 
contest  has  appeared ;  for  I  will  put  down  the  great  bow  of 
divine  Ulysses,  and  whoever  shall  most  easily  stretch  the  bow 
in  his  hands,  and  shall  dart  an  arrow  through  the  whole 
twelve  hatchets,  him  will  I  follow,  leaving  this  house  which 
I  entered  when  a  virgin,  very  beautiful,  full  of  the  means  of 
livelihood :  which  I  think  I  shall  sometime  remember,  even 
in  a  dream.” 

Thus  she  spoke ;  and  she  ordered  the  divine  swine-herd, 
Eummus,  to  place  the  bow  and  the  hoary  steel  for  the  suitors. 
15ut  weeping  Eummus  received  it  and  laid  it  down  :  and  the 
herdsman  wept  from  the  other  side,  when  he  beheld  the  bow 
of  his  master,  but  Antinous  chided  [them],  and  spoke  and  ad¬ 
dressed  them : 

“Foolish  countrymen,  who  think  upon  things  of  a  day,  ye 
wretched  pair,  why  now  do  ye  shed  a  tear,  and  excite  the 
lady’s  mind  in  her  breast  ?  whose  mind  even  otherwise  lies  in 
grief,  since  she  has  lost  her  dear  husband.  But  feast  in  silence, 

®  I  am  umvilling  to  desert  the  authority  of  Eustathius,  Apoll.  Lex.  p. 
404,  Ilesych.  t.  ii.  ]).  028,  Etym.  Magn.  s.  v.  fivOog,  Cyrill.  Lex.  MS. 
(quoted  by  Alberti  on  Ilesych.  v.  fiv9i]T)]peg,  aTaaiaarai).  and  the  Scho¬ 
liast,  in  interpreting  puOog  in  this  i)assage.  I  am,  however,  willing  to 
admit,  with  Loewo,  that  Barnes’s  exiilanation,  making  /xvOog  hero  equiv¬ 
alent  to  TTpaypa,  is  more  simple. 


89—127.] 


ODYSSEY.  XXI. 


287 


sitting  down,  or  going  out  of  doors,  weep,  leaving  the  bow 
there,  no  despicable^  contest  for  the  suitors ;  for  1  do  not 
tliink  they  will  easily  stretch  this  well-polished  bow.  For 
there  is  not  such  a  man  among  all  these,  as  Ulysses  was  ;  and 
I  myself  saw  him, — for  I  am  able  to  remember, — but  I  was 
still  a  child.”  j 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  his  mind  hoped  in  his  breast,  that  he 
would  [be  able  to]  stretch  the  string,  and  dart  an  arrow 
through  the  steel.  He  however  was  the  first  to  taste  the  ar¬ 
row  from  the  hands  of'blameless  Ulysses,  whom  he  once  dis¬ 
honored,  sitting  in  the  palace,  and  excited  all  his  companions 
against  him.  And  the  sacred  might  of  Telemachus  addressed 
them  : 

“Alas!  truly  hath  Jove,  the  son  of  Saturn,  made  me  fool¬ 
ish.  My  dear  mother,  although  she  is  prudent,  says,  that  she 
will  follow  another,  leaving  this  house  :  but  I  laugh,  and  am 
delighted  in  my  foolish  mind.  But  come,  suitors,  since  this 
contest  has  appeared,  there  is  not  such  a  woman  now  in  the 
Grecian  land,  nor  in  sacred  Pylos,  nor  in  Argos,  nor  Mycenc, 
[nor  Ithaca  itself,  nor  black  Epirus,]  and  ye  yourselves  know 
this  ;  why  need  I  praise  my  mother?  But  come,  do  not  draw 
aside  with  pretext,  nor  turn  any  more  away  a  long  time  from 
the  stretching  of  the  bow,  that  Ave  may  see  you.  And  I  my¬ 
self  would  try  the  boAV ;  but  if  I  shall  stretch  it,  and  dart 
an  arrow  through  the  steel,  my  venerable  mother,  going  with 
another,  should  not  leave  this  house  for  me  sorrowing,  when 
I  am  left  behind,  able  even  now  to  obtain  the  glorious  piizcs 
of  my  sire.” 

lie  spoke  ;  and  rushing  upright,  he  put  his  purple  cloak  off 
his  shoulders  ;  and  put  his  sharp  sword  from  off  his  shoulders. 
First  indeed  he  placed  the  hatchets,  digging  one  long  trench 
for  all,  and  he  directed  it  according  to  a  rule  ;  and  he  stamped 
in'  the  earth  about  them :  but  astonishment  possessed  all, 
seeing  how  orderly  he  placed  them ;  and  he  never  before  had 
seen  them.  And  he  stood,  going  upon  the  threshold,  and 
tried  the  bow :  thrice  he  bent  it,  anxious  to  draw  it,  but  thrice 
he  let  go  the  boAv,  hoping  this  in  his  mind,  that  he  Avould  [bo 
able  to]  stretch  the  string,  and  dart  an  arrow  through  the 

®  I  have  followed  Bnttmann,  Lexil.  p.  4,  7,  Avliose  discussion  of  the 
nieaiiings  of  (hatroc  deserves  the  utteiitiou  of  the  student. 

’  fc>«e  I'ji  iiesti. 


* 


28S 


ODYSSEY.  XXI. 


[128— 1G7, 


steel.  And  now  he  would  have  stretched  it  by  force,  drawing 
it  a  fourth  time,  but  Ulysses  nodded  to  restrain  him,  although 
eager.  And  the  sacred  might  of  Telemachus  addressed  them  : 

“  Alas  !  I  shall  either  hereafter  be  a  coward  and  weak,  or 
I  am  younger,  and  do  not  yet  trust  in  my  hands  to  ward  oil' 
a  man,  vvdien  any  one  first  provokes  me.  But  come,  you  wlio 
are  better  than  me  in  strength,  try  the  bow,  and  let  us  end  tlio 
contest.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  lie  laid  the  bow  from  him  upon  the 
ground,  reclining  it  against  the  well-polished  glued  panels.* 
and  he  reclined  the  swift  weapon  there  against  its  beautiful 
tip.®  And  he  sat  down  again  on  the  throne,  from  whence  he 
arose.  But  Antinous,  son  of  Eupithes,  addressed  them  : 

“Eise  in  order  to  the  right,  all  of  you,  beginning  from  the 
place  from  whence  the  wine-pourer  begins.” 

Thus  spoke  Antinous,  and  his  words  pleased  them.  But 
Lciodes,  son  of  ^nops,  rose  first,  who  was  their  soothsayer, 
and  sat  always  inmost  near  the  golden  bowl :  but  wicked 
deeds  were  hateful  to  liim  alone,  and  he  was  indignant  at  all 
the  suitors:  he  then  first  took  the  bow  and  the  sharp  shaft; 
and  he  stood,  going  on  the  threshold,  and  tried  the  bow ;  nor 
did  he  stretch  it;  for  he  first  wearied  his  hands,  drawing  it, 
they  being  unpracticed  and  tender,  and  he  addressed  the  suit¬ 
ors  : 

“O  friends,  I  can  not  stretch  it;  but  let  another  also  taker 
it;  for  this  bow  will  deprive  many  chieftains  of  their  mind 
and  soul :  since  it  is  much  better  to  die,  than  living  to  fail  of 
[the  prize],  on  account  of  which  we  are  always  assembled 
here,  waiting  all  our  days.  Now  indeed  some  one  hopes  in 
his  mind  and  meditates  to  marry  Penelope,  the  wife  of  Ulys¬ 
ses,  but  when  he  shall  try  the  bow,  and  see  it,  then  let  him 
woo  some  other  of  the  well-clad  Grecian  women,  seeking  her 
with  bridal  gifts ;  and  let  her  then  marry  whoever  gives  her 
most  [bridal  gifts],  and  comes  destined  to  her.” 

Thus  he  spoke,  and  placed  the  bow  from  him,  reclining  it 
against  the  well-polished  glued  panels,  and  he  reclined  the 
swift  weapon  there  against  its  beautiful  tip ;  and  he  sat  down 
again  on  his  seat,  from  whence  he  arose.  But  Antinous 
cliided  him,  and  spoke  a  word  and  addressed  him  : 

“  Eustatliius  interprets  Kpwvr],  either  by  to  too  tCKou  dupov,  or  to  Ttjg 
Ovpu(;  ixianaoTpot],  j)rcferring,  l)ow«vcr,  the  former. 


iG8— 20S.J 


ODYSSEY.  XXI. 


289 


“  O  Leiodes,  what  word  has  escaped  tliy  lips,  terrible  and 
grievous  ?  I  am  indignant  at  hearing  it,  if  this  bow  shall  in 
truth  de[)rive  the  chieftains  of  their  mind  and  soul ;  since  thou 
canst  not  stretch  it.  For  thy  venerable  mother  did  not  bring 
thee  forth  such  an  one  as  to  be  a  drawer  of  the  bow  and  ar¬ 
rows  ;  but  other  noble  suitors  will  soon  stretch  it.” 

Tims  he  spoke ;  and  he  commanded  Melanthius  the  gorit- 
herd  :  “  Hasten  now,  light  a  fire  in  the  palace,  O  Melanthius, 
and  neai^  it  place  both  a  large  seat,  and  skins  upon  it,  and 
bring  out  a  large  roll  of  suet,  which  is  Avithin,  that  Ave  young 
men,  Avarming  it,^  anointing  it  Avith  fat,  may  try  the  boAV,  and 
end  the  contest.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  and  Melanthius  immediately  lighted  the 
unwearied  fire ;  and  bringing  a  seat,  he  placed  it  near,  and 
skins  upon  it,  and  he  brought  out  a  large  roll  of  suet,  Avhich 
Avas  Avithin,  Avitli  Avhich  the  young  men,  having  Avarmed  it, 
tried  it :  nor  could  they  stretch  it,  for  they  Avere  very  defi¬ 
cient  in  strength.  But  Antinous  still  persisted,  and  godlike 
Euryinachus,  chiefs  among  the  suitors  :  and  they  AA^ere  far  the 
best  in  excellence.  But  tlie  herdsman  and  the  SAvine-herd  of 
divine  Ulysses  AA^ent  out  of  the  house,  both  going  together. 
And  after  them  di\ine  Ulysses  Avent  out  of  the  house.  But 
Avhen  they  Avere  now  out  of  the  gates,  and  the  court,  address¬ 
ing  them  he  spoke  to  them  in  mild  Avords : 

“  O  herdsman,  and  thou,  swine-herd,  shall  I  tell  some  neAvs, 
or  shall  I  myself  conceal  it  ?  but  my  mind  incites  me  to  speak. 
What  kind  of  men  Avould  ye  be  to  defend  Ulysses,  if  he  should 
come  from  any  Avhere  A'ery  suddenly,  and  some  god  should 
bring  liiiii  ?  Avould  ye  assist  the  suitors  of  Ulysses  ?  Tell  me, 
in  Avhat  AAmy  your  heart  and  mind  commands  you.” 

But  him  the  herdsman  of  oxen  addressed  in  turn  :  O  fa¬ 
ther  Jove,  Avould  tluit  thou  Avouldst  accomplish  this  Avish,  so 
should  that  man  come,  and  the  deity  should  bring  him,  thou 
shouldst  knoAV  Avhat  my  power  and  hands  are,” 

In  like  manner  Euma3us  pi’ayed  to  all  the  gods,  that  Aviso 
Ulysses  should  return  to  his  OAvn  home.  But  Avhen  he  knoAv 
their  true  disposition,  immediately  anSAA^ering  them  Avith  words, 
he  addressed  them : 

“  Within  indeed  here  am  I  myself,  having  sufiered  many 
evils,  I  have  come  in  the  tAventieth  year  to  my  paternal  land. 

®  i.  e.  tlic  boAv. 

N 


290 


ODYSSEY.  XXL 


[209—247. 


And  I  know  how  I  am  come  welcome  to  you  only  of  the  serv¬ 
ants  :  but  I  have  not  heard  any  one  of  the  others  praying  that 
I  should  again  come  returning  home.  But  to  you  I  will  tell 
ihe  truth,  how  it  shall  be.  If  God  subdues  the  noble  suitors 
under  me,  I  will  bring  waves  for  both  of  you,  and  Avill  bestow 
possessions,  and  houses  built  near  mine ;  and  afterward  ye 
shall  be  the  two  companions  and  brothers  of  Telemachus. 
Come,  I  wall  now  show'  you  some  other  plain  sign  (that  yo 
may  know  me  w'ell,  and  be  confirmed  by  a  testimony  in  yoin 
mind),  the  scar  which  once  a  boar  inflicted  on  me  with  its 
white  tusk,  wdien  I  w^ent  to  Barnassus,  wath  the  sons  of  Au- 
tolychus.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  drew^  back  the  rags  from  the  great 
scar.  But  they,  w'hen  they  had  beheld  it,  and  had  w'ell  ascer¬ 
tained  every  thing,  w'ept,  throw’ing  their  hands  around  wise 
Ulysses,  and  embracing  him,  they  kissed  both  his  head  and 
shoulders.  In  like  manner  Ulysses  kissed  their  heads  and 
hands.  And  the  sun  would  have  set  wdiile  they  w^ere  Aveep- 
ing,  had  not  Ulysses  himself  restrained  them  and  spoke : 

“  Cease  from  Aveeping  and  mourning;  lest  any  one  coming 
out  of  the  palace  should  see  us,  and  should  tell  it  also  Avith- 
in.  But  enter  one  after  another,  not  all  together;  first  I, 
and  after Avard  you  :  but  let  this  sign  be  made  ;  all  the  others 
indeed,  as  many  as  are  noble  suitors,  Avill  not  suffer  you  to 
give  me  the  boAV  and  quiver  ;  but  do  thou,  O  divine  Eumasus, 
bringing  the  boAv  through  the  palace,  place  it  for  mo  in  my 
hands:  and  tell  the  Avomen  to  lock  the  closely- fitted  doors 
of  the  palace.  But  if  any  one  should  hear  either  a  groan- 
iim  or  a  noise  Avithin,  of  the  men  in  our  courts,  let  them  not 
advance  out  of  doors,  but  remain  there  in  silence  at  then* 
Avork.  But  to  thee,  O  divine  Bhilcetius,  I  give  in  charge  to 
lock  Avith  a  key  the  gates  of  the  court,  and  quickly  put  the 
chain  over  it.’’^^ 

Thus  having  spoken,  ho  entered  the  AA'ell-built  liouso :  then 
he  AA'ont  and  sat  doAvn  upon  the  seat,  from  Avhenco  he  had 
arisen  :  and  the  servants  of  divine  Ulysses  also  Avent  in.  But 
Kurymachus  Avas  noAv  moving  the  boAv  about  in  his  hands, 
Avarniing  it  on  both  sides  Avith  the  llame  of  fire ;  but  even  so 

“The  seems  to  Inwe  been  a  strap  designed  to  close  the  onlt 

aperture  by  which  the  bolt  could  be  displaced,  and  the  door  ojH^iied,” 
Cow  per. 


247— 28G.] 


ODYSSEY.  XXI. 


291 


he  could  not  stretch  it ;  and  his  glory-seeking  heart  groaned 
greatly,  and  mourning  he  then  spoke  and  said  : 

“  Alas  !  truly  there  is  grief  for  me  both  about  myself,  and 
about  all:  I  do  not  so  much  lament  concerning  the  marriage, 
although  sorrowing:  there  are  also  many  other  Grecian  wo¬ 
men,  both  in  sea-girt  Ithaca  itself,  and  in  other  cities  ;  but  if 
we  are  indeed  so  much  inferior  in  strength  to  godlike  Ulys¬ 
ses,  that  we  can  not  stretch  the  bow ;  a  disgrace  even  for  pos¬ 
terity  to  hear.” 

But  him  Antinous,  son  of  Eupithes,  addressed  in  turn : 
“O  Eurymachus,  it  will  not  be  so;  and  thou  thyself  also  know- 
est  it.  For  now  there  is  a  holy  feast  of  the  god^^  among  the 
people  ;  and  Avho  could  stretch  the  bow  ?  but  lay  it  aside 
quietly :  and  let  us  also  su^er  all  the  hatchets  to  stand,  for 
1  think  not  that  any  one  Avill  take  them  away,  entering  the 
palace  of  Ulysses,  son  of  Laertes.  But  come,  let  the  Avine- 
pourer  make  the  first  ofierings  Avith  the  cups,  that  having 
made  libations  Ave  may  lay  aside  the  crooked  bow.  But  in 
the  morning  desire  Melanthius  the  goat-herd,  to  bring  goats, 
fur  the  best  in  all  the  fiocks,  that  ofiering  thighs  to  boAv-re- 
nowned  Apollo,  avc  may  try  the  boAV,  and  end  the  contest.” 

Thus  spoke  Antinous ;  and  his  discourse  pleased  them. 
And  the  heralds  poured  Avater  upon  their  hands,  and  youths 
croAvned  the  boAvls  Avith  Avine ;  and  they  distributed  to  all, 
having  made  the  first  ofierings  Avith  the  cups.  But  when 
they  had  made  libations,  and  drunk  as  much  as  their  mind 
Avished,  much-planning  Ulysses,  devising  a  stratagem,  address¬ 
ed  them  : 

“  Hear  me,  ye  suitors  of  the  illustrious  queen,  [Avhile  1 
speak  the  things  Avhich  the  mind  in  my  breast  desires  me]. 
But  I  especially  beseech  Eurymachus  and  godlike  Antinous, 
since  he  has  spoken  this  Avord  rightly-:  noAv  indeed  cease  from 
the  boAV,  and  commit  it  to  the  gods  :  but  in  the  morning  the 
deity  will  giv’e  strength  to  Avhom  he  is  Avilling.  But  come, 
give  me  the  Avell-polished  boAv,  that  I  may  try  my  hands  and 
strength  Avith  you,  if  I  Iuiao  still  the  strength,  such  as  I  be¬ 
fore  had  in  my  bending  limbs,  or  Avhether  noAv  my  AA^andering 
and  Avant  of  care  has  destroyed  it  for  me.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  but  they  all  Avere  exceedingly  indignant, 
dreading  lest  he  should  stretch  the  Avell-polished  boAV.  And 

Apollo. 


292 


ODYSSEY.  XXI. 


[287—32.5 

Anti  nous  chided  him,  and  spoke  a  word,  and  addressed 
him  : 

“  Ah  wretched  one  of  strangers  !  tliou  hast  not  even  a  little 
understanding  ;  art  thou  not  content,  that  thou  feastest  quiet¬ 
ly  among  us  most^-  noble  men?  nor  art  thou  at  all  deprived 
of  the  banquet,  but  thou  hearest  our  words  and  conversation  : 
nor  does  any  other  stranger  and  beggar  hear  our  discourse. 
Sweet  wine  hurts  thee,  which  harms  others  also,  whoever 
takes  it  too  abundantly,  nor  drinks  properly.  AVine  also  in¬ 
spired  the  illustrious  Centaur  Eurytion  in  the  palace  of  mag¬ 
nanimous  Pirithous,  when  he  came  to  the  Lapithm :  but  he, 
when  he  had  injured  his  mind  with  wine,  in  madness  did 
wicked  deeds  in  the  house  of  Pirithous  :  but  grief  seized  upon 
the  heroo-s,  and  rushing  upon  them,  they  dragged  them  out 
of  doors  through  the  vestibule,  having  cut  off  their  ears  and 
nostrils  with  the  sharp  brass  ;  but  he,  injured  in  his  feelings, 
went  about,  enduring  that  calamity  with  a  frantic  mind, 
from  whence  there  was  strife  between  the  Centaurs  and  men, 
for  overcome  with  wine  he  brought  the  evil  upon  himself 
first.  So  also  I  declare  great  mischief  to  thee,  if  thou  stretch- 
est  the  bow  :  for  thou  wilt  not  meet  with  any  defense  in  our 
house,  but  we  will  soon  send  thee  in  a  black  ship  to  king 
Echetus,  who  injures  all  mortals;  and  thou  wilt  not  be  saved 
from  thence.  But  drink  quietly,  nor  contend  with  younger 
men.” 

But  him  prudent  Penelope  addressed  in  turn:  O  Anti- 
nous,  it  is  not  indeed  honorable  or  just  to  vex  the  guests  of 
Telemachus,  whoever  comes  to  this  house.  Dost  thou  expect, 
if  the  stranger  should  bend  the  great  bow  of  Ulysses,  trusting 
in  his  hands  and  his  own  might,  that  he  would  lead  me  home, 
and  make  me  his  wife  ?  lie  did  not  himself  ever  hope  this  in 
his  breast.  Nor  lot  any  one  of  you,  on  that  account  grieving 
his  mind,  banquet  here  ;  since  indeed  it  is  not  tit.” 

But  her  Eurymachu.s,  son  of  Polybus,  answered  in  turn  : 
‘‘ O  jwudent  Penelope,  daughter  of  Icarus,  we  do  not  think 
that  he  will  carry  thee  home ;  nor  is  it  likely  :  but  being 
ashamed  of  the  rumor  of  men  and  women,  lest  at  some  time 
some  other  of  the  Grecians  who  is  worse  should  say.  Very 
inferior  men  indeed  woo  the  wife  of  a  blameless  man ;  since 


“  Observe  this  sense  of  CTrsp^taXetat.  Sec  Bnttiu.  Lex.  p.  414. 


32G— 3G4.1 


ODYSSEY.  XXL 


293 


tliey  can  not  bend  the  well-polished  bow.  But  some  other 
beggar  man  coming  as  a  wanderer,  easily  bent  the  bow,  and 
sent  [the  arrow]  through  the  steel.  Thus  they  will  speak; 
but  tliese  things  would  be  reproaches  to  us.” 

But  him  prudent  Penelope  addressed  in  turn  :  “  O  Euryma- 
chus,  it  is  not  possible  that  they  should  be  glorious  among 
the  people,  who  consume  the  property  of  an  excellent  man, 
doing  him  wrong.  Why  do  ye  bring  these  reproaches  upon 
yourselves  ?  But  this  stranger  is  very  mighty  [in  stature] 
and  well  compacted,  and  in  race  he  boasts  himself  to  be  the 
son  of  a  good  man.  But  come,  give  to  him  the  well-polished 
bow,  that  we  may  see :  for  thus  I  tell  you,  and  this  shall  be 
performed;  if  he  should  bend  it,  and  Apollo  should  give  him 
glory,  I  will  put  a  cloak  ou  him,  and  a  tunic,  beautiful  gar¬ 
ments.  And  I  will  give  to  him  a  sharp  javelin,  to  ward  off 
dogs  and  men,  and  a  double-edged  sword :  and  I  will  give 
him  sandals  under  his  feet,  and  will  send  him,  wherever  his 
heart  and  mind  desires  him.” 

But  her  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn  :  O  my 
mother,  no  one  of  the  Grecians  is  better  than  me,  to  give  and 
refuse  the  bow,  to  whom  I  am  willing  :  neither  as  'many  as  rule 
over  rugged  Ithaca,  nor  as  many  as  [rule]  in  the  islands  of 
horse-feeding  Elis.  Of  these  no  one  shall  force  me  against 
my  will,  if  I  choose  even  to  give  the  bow  altogether  to  tlie 
stranger,  to  take  awjiy.  But  going  into  the  house,  take  care 
of  thine  own  works,  the  web,  and  the  distaff,  and  desire  tliy 
handmaidens  to  hasten  their  work  :  but  the  bow  shall  be  a 
care  to  all  men,  but  especially  mine:  for  the  power  in  the 
house  is  mine.'’ 

She  indeed  astonished  went  back  again  into  the  house;  for 
she  laid  up  in  her  mind  the  prudent  discourse  of  her  son. 
And  ascending  to  the  upper  room,  Avith  her  women  attend¬ 
ants,  she  then  bewailed  Ulysses,  her  dear  husband ;  until 
blue-eyed  Minerva  shed  sweet  sleep  over  her  eyelids.  But 
the  divine  swine-herd  taking  the  bow,  carried  it ;  and  all  the 
suitors  in  the  palace  chided  him  ;  and  thus  some  one  of  the 
proud  youths  spoke : 

‘AVhere  now  art  thou  bearing  the  crooked  bow,  O  unen¬ 
viable  swine-herd,  Avanderinn;  felloAv  ?  The  swift  dogs  Avhich 
thou  hast  nourished  over  thy  SAvine  shall  soon  consume  thee 


ODYSSEY.  XXL 


294 


[365—401. 


away  from  men,  if  ApoWo  and  tli3  other  immortal  gods  are 
propitious  to  us.” 

Thus  they  spoke  ;  but  he  taking  them,  laid  them  in  their 
place,  fearing,  because  many  in  the  palace  chided  him,  Dut 
Telemaclius  from  the  other  side  cried  out  threatening : 

“  Friend,  bear  the  bow  forward  ;  (perchance  thou  wilt  not 
obey  all  with  advantage;)  lest  I,  although  younger,  slmuld 
drive  you  to  the  country,  pelting  thee  with  stones  ;  for  I  am 
thy  superior  in  strength.  For  would  that  I  were  so  much 
superior  to  all  the  suitors,  as  many  as  are  in  the  house,  in 
my  hands  and  strength  ;  then  would  I  soon  send  some  one  in 
a  sad  way  to  depart  from  my  house  ;  since  they  devise  evil 
things.” 

Thus  he  spoke,  but  all  the  suitors  laughed  pleasantly  at 
him  ;  and  relaxed  their  severe  anger  against  Telemachus :  but 
the  swine-herd  taking  the  bow  through  the  house,  standing 
near  to  warlike  Ulysses,  placed  it  in  his  hands.  And  calling 
her  aside  he  addressed  the  nurse  Euryclea : 

‘‘Telemachus  desires  thee,  O  prudent  Euryclea,  to  lock  the 
closely-htted  doors  of  the  palace.  And  if  any  one  should 
hear  a  groahing  or  a  noise  within  in  our  courts,  let  them 
not  advance  out  of  doors,  but  keej^  there  in  silence  at  their 
work.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  the  Avord  Avas  uuAvinged :  and  she 
^  locked  the  doors  of  the  Avell-built  palace.  And  Phila^tlus 
leaped  out  of  doors  in  silence  from  the  house,  and  then  he 
locked  the  gates  of  the  AA-ell-inclosed  court.  Ilut  there  lay 
under  the  portico  a  rope  of  a  ship  roAA-ed  on  both  sides,  made 
of  the  tree  Byblos,  Avith  Avhich  he  secured  the  gates,  and  him¬ 
self  Avent  in.  Then  going  he  sat  down  upon  the  seat  from 
Avhence  he  had  arisen,  looking  at  Ulysses :  but  he  Avas  noAv 
handling  the  boAv,  turning  it  up  on  all  sides,  trying  it  on  one 
side  and  the  other,  for  fear  Avorms  had  eaten  the  horn,  Avhile 
the  kin"  AA^as  absent.  And  thus  some  one  said,  lookiri"  at 
another  near  him : 

“  Surely  he  is  some  admirer  or  stealer  of  boAA'S,  or  he  has 
such  an  one  of  his  oavu  at  home,  or  he  desires  to  make  it :  so 
much  does  the  Avanderer,  skilled  in  evils,  turn  it  in  his  hands 
on  this  side  and  that.” 

But  another  of  the  proud  youths  spoke  in  turn  :  “  Would 


402— 434.J 


ODYSSEY.  XXL 


295 


that  he  may  meet  with  so  much  profit,  as  he  will  some  time 
or  other  be  able  to  bend  this.”^'^ 

Thus  spoke  the  suitors  ;  but  much-planning  Ulysses,  as  soon 
as  he  handled  the  large  bow,  and  looked  at  it  upon  all  sides, 
as  when  a  man  skilled  in  the  harp  and  in  song  easily  stretches 
a  cord  upon  a  new  pin,  joining  on  both  sides  the  well-twisted 
entrail  of  a  sheep ;  so  did  Ulysses  bend  the  great  bow  without 
difficulty.  l>ut  with  his  riglit  he  laid  hold  of  the  string  and 
tried  it ;  and  it  twanged  beautifully,  like  unto  a  swallow  in 
voice.  But  great  grief  came  upon  the  suitors,  and  the  color 
of  all  changed :  but  Jove  thundered  loudly,  showing  forth 
signs.  Then  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  rejoiced,  because 
the  son  of  wily-counseling  Saturn  had  sent  him  an  omen. 
And  he  took  a  swift  arrow,  which  lay  near  him  on  the  table, 
naked ;  but  the  others  lay  within  the  hollow  quiver,  which 
the  Grecians  were  soon  about  to  experience.  Taking  it  upon 
his  elbow,  he  drew  the  string,  and  the  notch  [of  the  arrow], 
from  thence,  sitting  on  his  seat ;  and  he  sent  forth  the  arrow, 
aiming  opposite ;  but  he  did  not  miss  all  the  hatchets  from 
the  first  ring,^^  and  the  brass-tipped  arrow  came  entirely 
through  the  door;  but  he  addressed  Telernachus : 

‘‘ O  Telemachus,  the  stranger  sitting  in  the  palace  does  not 
disgrace  thee ;  I  have  not  at  all  missed  the  mark,  nor  did  I 
labor  for  a  long  time  stretching  the  bow :  still  is  my  strength 
firm  ;  not  even  thus  do  the  suitors,  dishonoring  me,  blame  me. 
But  now  it  is  time  for  the  Grecians  to  prepare  a  supfoer  in  the 
light,  but  then  also  to  be  otherwise  rejoiced^^  with  the  song 
and  harp  :  for  these  are  the  adornments  of  a  feast.” 

He  spoke,  and  nodded  with  his  brows  ;  but  Telernachus,  the 
dear  son  of  divine  Ulysses,  girt  his  sharp  sword  around  him : 
and  he  threw  his  hand  round  his  spear ;  and  stood  by  him 
near  his  seat,  armed  with  shining  brass. 

i.  c.  as  tlicre  is  cliancc  of  his  doing  so,  spoken  ironically. 

^TtLXtu)  signifies  that  ])art  of  a  hatchet  in  which  the  handle  is  in-, 
sorted,  and  through  which  the  arrow  was  then  to  bo  shot.  Old  Transl. 

*  But  see  Eustathius  apud  Loewc. 


296 


ODYSSEY.  XXII. 


ri— 2(1 


BOOK  XXII. 


ARGUMP-NT. 

Ulysses,  with  the  aid  of  Telemachus,  Eumoins,  and  Philoetius,  slays  all 
the  suitors :  and  twelve  of  the  female  servants  who  had  had  intercourse 
with  the  suitors,  are  hanged  by  Telemachus  and  the  herdsman.  Me- 
lanthius  is  also  killed  with  greater  torments.  The  herald  Medon  and 
the  bard  Phemius  only  are  saved. 

But  much-planning  Ulysses  stripped  himself  of  his  rags,^ 
and  leaped  upon  the  large  threshold,  holding  the  bow,  and 
the  quiver  full  of  arrows :  and  he  poured  out  the  swift  ar¬ 
rows  there  before  his  feet ;  and  addressed  the  suitors : 

“  This  decisive^  contest  has  at  length  been  accomplished : 
but  now  I  will  see  whether  I  can  hit^  another  mark,  which 
no  man  as  yet  has  struck,  but  may  Apollo  give  me  glory.” 

lie  spoke,  and  directed  the  bitter  arrow  against  Antinous. 
He  indeed  was  about  to  take  up  a  beautiful  cup,  golden,  with 
two  ears ;  and  he  was  now  handling  it  with  his  hands,  that 
he  might  drink  of  wine  :  but  slaughter  was  not  a  care  to  him 
in  his  mind ;  (who,  forsooth,  would  think  among  men  ban¬ 
queting,  that  one  alone  among  greater  numbers,  although  very 
strong,  would  prepare  evil  death  and  black  fate  for  him  ?) 
But  Ulysses  catching  him  on  the  throat,  struck  him  with  the 
shaft:  and  the  point  came  right  through  his  tender  neck. 
And  he  was  rolled  to  the  other  side,  and  the  cup  fell  from  the 
hand  of  him  stricken  :  and  immediately  a  thick  channel  of 
human  gore  came  through  his  nostrils ;  and  quickly  he  thrust 
the  table  from  him,  striking  it  with  his  foot,  and  he  poured 
the  viands  to  the  ground ;  both  bread  and  roasted  flesh  w'cre 
polluted.  But  the  suitors  made  a  tumult  in  the  house,  when 
they  beheld  the  man  fallen.  And  they  leaped  out  of  their 
thrones,  aroused  throughout  the  house,  looking  about  on  all 

sides  to  the  well-built  walls  :  nor  was  there  auv  where  a 

•/ 

shield,  or  doughty  spear,  to  lay  hold  of.  And  they  chided 
Ulysses  witli  wrathful  words : 

^  It  is  most  easy  to  translate  yvfiv(^9ri  as  if  it  were  the  middle  voice. 

‘  See  Fishlake  on  Bnttm.  l^exil.  ]).  4,  note. 

“  I  have  construed  these  words  as  cquivalcut  to  eicrofiai  al  ics  Tvx^ficu 
cr.coTrov  dWov. 


27— G3.J 


ODYSSEY.  XXII. 


297 


“  Stranger,  evilly  dost  thou  shoot  thine  arrow  at  men :  no 
more  wilt  thou  meet  with  other  contests ;  now  bitter  ciesxruc- 
tion  is  safe  for  thee.  For  thou  hast  just  now  slain  a  man, 
who  is  far  the  best  of  the  youths  in  Ithaca;  therefore  shall 
the  vultures  eat  thee  here.” 

Each  man  reflected,^  since  they  said  that  he  did  not  will¬ 
ingly  slay  the  man  ;  but  this,  fools !  they  did  not  perceive, 
how  the  limits  of  destruction  were  closely  touching  them,  even 
all  [of  them].  But  much-planning  Ulysses  regarding  them 
sternly,  addressed  them : 

‘‘  O  dogs,  you  no  longer  thought  that  I  should  come  return¬ 
ing  home  from  the  people  of  the  Trojans,  wherefore  ye  con¬ 
sume  my  property,  and  lie  perforce  with  my  women-servants, 
and  woo  my  wife,  I  myself  being  alive,  neither  dreading  the 
gods,  who  possess  the  wide  heaven,  nor  [fearing]  that  there 
will  bo  any  vengeance  from  men  hereafter.  Is'ow  the  limits 
of  destruction  have  closely  touched  you,  even  all  [of  you].” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  and  pale  fear  seized  all  of  them  ;  [and  each 
looked  about,  where  he  might  escape  bitter  destruction.]  But 
Eurymachus  alone  answering  addressed  him : 

“  If  indeed  thou,  the  Ithacan  Ulysses,  hast  come,  thou  hast 
spoken  these  things  rightly,  how  many  things  the  Greeks  have 
done,  many  wicked  deeds  in  the  palace,  and  many  in  the 
country.  But  he  now  lies  down,  who  was  the  cause  of  all, 
Antinous:  for  ho  brought  together  these  deeds;  by  no  means 
so  much  desiring  or  craving  marriage,  but  thinking  of  other 
things,  which  the  son  of  Saturn  has  not  accomplished  :  that 
he  might  himself  reign  over  the  people  of  well-inhabited  Ith¬ 
aca,  and  having  insnared  thy  son  he  would  have  slain  him. 
But  he  is  now  slain  in  fate ;  and  do  thou  spare  thy  people  *. 
but  "we  afterward  appeasing  thee  throughout  the  people,  [as 
to]  Avhatever  has  been  drunk  and  eaten  in  the  palace,  each 
bringing  as  payment  twenty  beeves,  will  give  both  brass  and 
gold,  until  tliy  heart  is  glad :  but  before  there  Avas  no  cause 
of  reproach  for  thy  being  angry.” 

But  him  much-counseling  Ulysses  sternly  regarding,  ad¬ 
dressed;  “O  Eurymachus,  even  if  thou  Avouldst  give  me  all 
your  paternal  property,  Avhatever  thou  now  hast,  and  should 
add  otlier  things  from  any  where,  not  even  thus  would  I  stop 

*  Sec  Battm.  Lexil.  v-  270,  sqq.  The  interi)retaticn  of  laKi  is  very 
doubtful. 

N  2 


298 


ODYSSEY.  XXIL 


[G4— 9G. 


mine  hands  from  slaughter,  before  I  had  revenged  all  their 
overbearing  conduct  upon  the  suitors.  Ye  now  liave  the 
choice,  either  to  fight  against  me,  or  to  fly,  whoever  can  es¬ 
cape  death  and  the  Fates.  But  I  do  not  think  any  one  will 
escape  bitter  destruction.*’ 

Thus  he  spoke ;  and  there  their  knees  and  heart  were 
loosed.  But  Eurymachus  again  a  second  time  addressed 
them : 

“  O  friends,  for’"  this  man  will  not  restrain  his  invincible 
hands ;  but  since  he  has  taken  the  well-polished  bow,  and  the 
quiver,  he  will  shoot  arrows  from  the  polished  threshold,  until 
he  has  slain  all  of  us :  but  lot  us  be  mindful  of  battle :  and 
do  ye  draw  your  swords,  and  hold  up  the  tables  against  the 
quick-fated  arrows  ;  and  let  us  all  hold  together  against  him, 
if  we  can  thrust  him  out  from  the  threshold  and  the  door. 
But  let  us  go  through  the  city,  and  let  an  alarm  be  raised  as 
quickly  as  possible.  Then  will  this  man  soon  shoot  an  ar¬ 
row  for  the  last  time.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  drew  his  sharp  sword  of  brass, 
sharpened  on  both  sides ;  and  he  leaped  against  him,  shout¬ 
ing  dreadfully:  but  at  the  same  time  divine  Ulysses  sending 
forth  a  shaft,  struck  him  upon  the  breast,  near  the  nipple,  and 
he  fixed  the  swift  weapon  in  his  liver ;  and  he  threw  his  sword 
upon  the  ground  from  his  hand,  and  rushing  round  the  table^’ 
he  fell  staggering;  and  he  poured  the  viands  on  the  ground^ 
and  the  round  cup :  and  he  smote  the  ground  with  his  fore¬ 
head,  sorrowing  in  mind ;  and  he  shook  his  throne,  kicking  it 
with  both  his  feet:  and  darkness  was  shed  over  his  eyes. 
And  Amphinomus  came  against  glorious  Ulysses  rushing  upon 
him :  and  he  drew  his  sharp  sword,  in  case  he  might  give 
way  from  the  door  :  but  Telemachus  anticipated  him,  striking 
him  from  behind  with  a  brass-pointed  spear  between  the 
shoulders,  and  he  drove  it  through  his  breast :  and  he  re¬ 
sounded  as  he  fell,  and  struck  the  ground  with  his  whole  fore¬ 
head.  But  Telemachus  rushed  away,  leaving  the  long  spear 
there  in  Amphinomus;  for  he  very  much  feared,  that  some 

’  It  is  somcwliat  clitTicult  to  express  the  force  of  yap  in  this  i)assagc. 
Ernesti  renders  it  by  enimvero,  observing,  “habet  ttcWoiuj  tptpaaiv,  aj)- 
tans  Imic  loco.  Eniinvcro,  ut  hie  se  cornparat  ct  loquitur,  non  ccssabit 
vim  facere.’' 

*  i.  c.  the  table  where  he  sat. 


97— 12G.j 


ODYSSEY.  XXII. 


299 


one  of  the  Grecians,  as  he  was  drawing  out  the  long  spear, 
would  either  rush  upon  him  and  pierce  him  with  a  sword,  or 
strike  him  with  a  downward  [blow]."^  But  he  went  running ; 
and  quickly  came  to  his  dear  father ;  and  standing  near  liim 
he  addressed  to  him  winged  words :  ^ 

“  O  my  father,  now  will  I  bring  thee  a  shield  and  two 
spears,  and  a  brazen  helmet,  fitted  to  thy  temples,  and  I  my¬ 
self  will  go  and  clothe  myself ;  and  I  will  give  others  to  the 
swine-herd  and  to  the  herdsman  ;  for  it  is  better  to  be  armed,” 

lint  him  much-planning  Ulysses  answering  addressed : 
“Bun,  bring  them,  while  I  have  arrows  to  defend  myself, 
lest  they  move  me,  being  alone,  away  from  the  door.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  and  Telernachus  obeyed  his  dear  father. 
And  he  went  to  the  cliamber,  where  his  illustrious  arms  lay. 
From  thence  he  took  out  four  shields,  and  eight  speai’s,  and 
four  brazen  helmets  dense  Avith  horse-hair  plumes;  and  he 
went,  carrying  them,  and  very  quickly  he  came  to  his  dear 
father.  But  he  first  of  all  put  on  brass  around  his  body;  and 
in  like  manner  the  two  servants  put  on  beautiful  arms,  and 
stood  around  wise,  various-planning  Ulysses.  But  he,  as  long 
as  he  had  arrows  to  ward  them  off,  so  long  did  ho  still  strike 
one  of  the  suitors  in  his  own  house,  aiming  at  him,  and  they 
fell  near  to  each  other.  But  when  the  arrows  failed  the  king 
shooting,  he  reclined  his  bow  to  stand  against  a  pillar  of  the 
well-built  palace,  against  the  all-shining  walls :  and  he  girt  a 
four-fold  shield  around  his  shoulders,  and  on  his  illustrious 
head  he  placed  a  Avell-made  helmet  with  a  horse-hair  plume, 
and  a  terrible  crest  nodded  from  above ;  and  he  took  two 
strong  spears  tipped  with  brass. 

Now  there  was  a  certain  high-raised  door^  in  the  well-built 

^  Supply  a  cognate  substantive  from  rvipaQ. 

®  Few  })assages  in  the  Odyssey  present  greater  difficulties  than  the 
present  one.  The  ancient  critics  were  quite  uncertain,  as  will  be  evi¬ 
dent  from  the  following  remarks.  Eustathius  observes,  “  ’OpaoQvpr)  here 
t^ignifies  some  conspicuous  entrance,  having  a  high  ai)j)roach,  which 
no  one  could  reach  without  using  a  ladder,  or  jumping  and  leaj)ing  uj) 
to  it,  whence  it  was  called  opaoOvpi],  i.  e.  Ovpa  euj  i]v  opwrai  tic,  wish¬ 
ing  to  sec  out  from  thence.”  The  same  etymology  is  given  in  Etym. 
Magn.  s.  V.  fob  13G,  A.  2,  Ilesych.  t.  ii.  p.  780,  di  57c  tanv  opovaat  Ka- 
rafiaivovTa,  and  Apoll.  Lex.  Horn.  s.  v.  Follux,  i.  8,  2,  makes  the  6pao~ 
dvpa  the  same  as  the  ap(pt9upoc,  o])posite  to  which,  as  Kulin  there  ob- 
eerves,  another  entrance  (avriOvpoi')  stood.  The  kSchol.  on  Eur.  IVIed. 
13d,  explains  dpcpiTruXov  to  mean  rd  txov  ivo  TrvXa£  ical  tiaudevg,  ptaif 


300 


ODYSSEY.  XXII. 


[127—137. 


wall :  and  near  the  farthest  threshold  of  the  well-reared  pal¬ 
ace  was  a  way  to  a  narrow  street,  hut  well-fitted  doors 
inclosed  it:  this  Ulysses  desired  the  swine-herd  to  guartl, 
standing  near  it ;  for  it  was  the  only  approach.  Ilut  Agc- 
laus  addressed  them,  speaking  the  Avord  to  all : 

‘‘ O  friends,  will  not  some  one  go  up  to  the  high-raised 
door,  and  tell  the  people?  and  there  would  A’ery  quickly  be 
an  alarm  :  then  perchance  this  man  will  shoot  an  arrow  for 
the  last  time.” 

.  But  him  JMelanthius,  the  goat-herd,  addressed  in  turn  .  “  It 
is  not  possible,  O  Jove-nurtured  Agelaus ;  for  very  near  are 
the  beautiful  doors  of  the  hall,  and  difficult  is  the  mouth  of  the 

fi'ev  T)p'  avBevTiKi'jV,  Lrspav  i,v"Oiii]poQ  Xtyn  cpao£vpr]v.  As  none  of 
the  commentators  appear  satisfied  on  the  point,  I  will  projjose  my  own 
explanation.  The  particle  ct  in  vs.  127,  is  used  adversatively,  and  shov  s 
that  the  b£u£  tiQ  'Kavppv,  was  distinct  from  the  dpaoOvpp.  Enma;ns  {ewi 
v(popl3<'g  in  vs.  129)  is  ordered  to  guard  the  former  way,  while  the  suit, 
ors,  especially  Agelaus,  sought  to  reach  the  dpaoOvpi],  which  led  to  the 
armory-chamber,  to  which  JMelanthius  afterward  ascended  (vs.  142), 
and  there  met  his  death  (174,  sqq.).  The  expression  pwyag  ptyapoio, 
in  vs.  143,  appears  to  be  identical  -with  the  cpaoGvpri,  especially  if  we 
compare  dvsjiaive  in  vs.  142,  with  di>'  cpaoGvpyjv  dvaftaii]  in  vs.  132. 
Now,  although  the  alarm  might  be  given  from  the  chamber,  to  which  the 
opooBvpp  led  (vss.  133,  sq.),  yet  there  was  but  one  entrance  {pia  i<popprj, 
vs.  130),  by  which  the  pcoj)le  could  liave  rushed  to  the  assistance  of  the 
suitors,  and  defeated  the  j)urj)osc  cf  Ulysses  (vs.  134).  But  JMelanthius 
objects  that  it  was  no  use  to  give  the  alarm,  because  the  door  of  the  hall 
was  close  by,  and  the  entrance  to  the  Xavpa  was  difficult  (i.*  e.  narrow, 
hard  of  access).  It  appears  to  me  that  the  chief  difficulty  arises  from 
misunderstanding  the  sense  of  Aoi'pa,  Avhich  tlie  grammarians  (see  Alberti 
on  Hesych.  t.  ii.  j).  434,  and  I’ollux,  ix.  5)  unite  in  interjircting  “a  nar¬ 
row  street,”  bi  tjg  a  Xadc  tlaipx^Tai,  or  aTivtoTrog.  Ilesychius  is  jierbaps 
nearest  the  truth,  when  he  also  says,  rvTrog  7rp<)g  viroxwpiiciv  dvtiptvog, 
the  cxedra  of  the  Latins  (cf.  Vitruv.  v.  1 1),  or  the  TrapaardXxg  of  Bollux, 
vii.  27.  But  I  believe  that  Xavpriv  here  =  KOTrputva,  or  ittiwv  (cf.  Bollux, 
V.  14),  “a  jakes”  or  “draught.”  So  it  is  used  by  Aristoj)h.  I’ac.  ir)7, 
TToi  TrapaKXivftg  Tevg  puKvi'ipog  Trpbg  rdg  Xavpag.  Nor  am  I  quite  with¬ 
out  ancient  authority  for  this  su))position ;  for  Tlipponax,  according  to 
the  Etym.  JMagn.  s.  v.  ubog,  fol.  132,  A.  2,  understood  it  in  the  same 
sense.  If  we  compare  the  house  of  Sallust  discovered  at  Boinjieii  (see 
Library  of  Entertaining  Knowledge,  Bompeii,  vol.  ii.  pp.  109,  121),  we 
shall  find  that  the  Xavpa  was  situated  very  near  the  avX)},  as  well  as  that 
it  Avas  closely  connected  with  the  private  apartments;  we  may  therefore 
fairly  understand  the  mention  of  the  avXt]  in  vs.  137,  as  well  as  the  dif¬ 
ficulty  of  entrance  {dpyaXiov  cropa  Xai'ppg),  of  which  JMelanthius  speaks. 
1  have  how'cver  translated  the  ])assagc  according  to  the  old  interpreta¬ 
tion,  leaving  this  new  exjjlanation  to  the  consideration  of  other  scholars 


138— 17G.] 


OX)YSSEY.  XXII. 


301 


narrow  road ;  and  even  one  man,  who  is  valiant,  would  hin¬ 
der  us  all.  Ikit  come,  I  will  bring  you  arms  from  the  cham¬ 
ber  wherewith  to  be  equipped :  for  within,  I  think,  nor  any 
where  else  have  Ulysses  and  his  illustrious  son  laid  up  the 
arms.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  Melanthius  the  goat-herd  ascended  to 
the  chambers  of  Ulysses,  through  the  narrow  parts  of  the 
palace :  from  thence  he  took  out  twelve  shields,  and  so  many 
spears,  and  so  many  brazen  helmets,  dense  with  horse-hair; 
and  he  went,  and  quickly  carrying  them,  gave  them  to  the 
suitors.  Then  the  knees  and  heart  of  Ulysses  were  loosed, 
when  ho  beheld  them  putting  on  the  arms,  and  shaking  the 
long  spears  in  their  hands;  but  it  appeared  to  him  a  dread¬ 
ful  deed.  And  quickly  he  addressed  to  Telemachus  winged 
words : 

“  O  Telemachus,  certainly  some  one  of  the  women  in  the 
palace,  or  JNlelanthius,  excites  an  evil  war  against  us.” 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn  :  “  O  father, 
I  myself  erred  in  this  (nor  is  any  one  else  the  cause),  who 
having  opened  the  closely-fitted  door  of  the  chamber  left  it: 
but  their  spy  was  better.  But  come,  divine  Eumreus,  shut 
the  door  of  the  chamber,  and  see  if  it  is  any  one  of  the  women 
who  does  these  things,  or  Melanthius,  son  of  Dolius,  whom  I 
think  [it  is].” 

Thus  they  spoke  to  one  another.  But  IMelanthius  the  goat¬ 
herd  went  again  to  the  chamber,  to  bring  the  beautiful  arms : 
but  the  divine  swine-herd  perceived  him,  and  immediately  ad 
dressed  Ulysses  being  near  : 

‘‘  O  noble  son  of  Laertes,  much-contriving  Ulysses,  again  is 
that  wicked^  man,  whom  we  ourselves  suspected,  going  to  the 
chamber :  but  do  thoii  tell  me  plainly,  whether  I  shall  kill 
him,  if  indeed  I  should  be  superior  [to  him];  or  bring  him 
here  for  thee,  that  thou  mayest  be  revenged  for  the  many  oveiv 
bearing  deeds  which  he  has  devised  in  thine  house.” 

But  him  much-planning  Ulysses  answering  addressed:  “I 
myself  and  Telemachus  will  keep  off  the  noble  suitors  within 
the  palace,  although  very  eager:  but  do  ye  two  turning  back 
his  feet  and  hands  above,  throw  him  into  the  chamber,  and 
fasten  the  doors  behind  you  ;  and  binding  a  twisted  rope  from 
him,  draw  him  up  a  lofty  pillar,  and  make  him  draw  nigh,  ta 
®  On  dt57]\oc  see  Buttm.  Lexil.  p.  47,  sqq. 


302  ODYSSEY.  XXII.  [177—213. 

tliG  rafters,  that  for  a  long  time,  being  alive,  he  may  sutfer 
severe  griefs.’’ 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  they  indeed  heard  him,  and  obeyed : 
and  they  went  to  the  chamber ;  and  they  escaped  the  notice 
of  him  who  was  within.  Pie  indeed  was  searching  for  arms 
in  the  recess  of  the  chamber :  but  they  stood  on  each  side  re¬ 
maining  near  to  the  pillars.  AVhen  Melanthius,  the  goat-herd, 
came  over  the  threshold,  in  one  hand  indeed  bearing  a  beau¬ 
tiful  helmet,  but  in  the  other  a  wide  shield,  old,  "spoiled  with 
dryness,  belonging  to  the  hero  Laertes,  which  he  had  carried 
when  a  youth:  at  that  time  it  lay  aside,  and  the  sewings  of 
the  thongs  were  loosed.  But  they  rushing  upon  him  seized 
him,  and  dragged  him  within  by  the  hair:  and  they  cast  liiiii 
down  on  the  pavement  sorrowing  in  his  heart.  And  they 
bound  his  hands  and  feet  together  with  a  mind-grieving  bond, 
having  turned  them  very  well  entirely  back,  as  the  much-en¬ 
during  son  of  Laertes,  divine  Ulysses,  had  commanded  them. 
And  binding  a  twisted  rope  from  him,  they  drew  him  up  a 
lofty  pillar,  and  made  him  draw  near  to  the  rafters.  But  him 
thou  didst  with  gibing  address,  O  swine-herd  PAimmus : 

“  Now,  O  Melanthius,  shalt  thou  watch  during  the  whole 
night,  lying  down  upon  a  soft  bed,  as  becomes  thee :  nor  will 
the  mother  of  dawn  coming  upon  thee  in  her  golden  throne, 
from  the  streams  of  the  ocean,  escape  thee,  when  thou  drivest 
goats  for  the  suitors  to  the  house,  to  get  ready  a  feast.” 

Thus  was  he  left  there,  stretched  in  a  woeful  bond.  But 
they,  having  put  on  arms,  and  shut  the  shining  door,  went  to 
wise,  crafty  Ulysses.  There  they  stood  breathing  fortli  might; 
those  who  Avere  upon  the  threshold,  four  in  number;  but 
those  within  the  Iiouse,  many  and  brave..  But  jNiinerva,  daugh¬ 
ter  of  Jove,  came  near  them,  likened  unto  INIentor  both  in  per¬ 
son  and  voice.  And  Ulysses  rejoiced  on  seeing  her,  and  spoke 
thus : 

“  IMentor,  ward  olf  the  fight,  and  remember  me  a  dear  com¬ 
panion,  who  have  done  thee  good,  and  thou  art  of  the  same 
age  with  me.*’ 

Thus  he  spoke,  thinking  that  it  Avas  IMinerva,  the  defender 
of  the  people.  But  the  suitors  from  the  other  side  Avere 
threatening  in  the  palace;  first  indeed  Agelaus,  son  of  l)a- 
mustor,  chided  her: 

“■Mentor,  let  not  Ulysses  wrongly  persuade  thcQ  Avith, 


214—251.] 


ODYSSEY.  XXII. 


S03 


words  to  against  the  suitors,  and  to  defend  him  himself. 
For  thus  I  deem  tliat  our  counsel  will  be  accomplished  ;  wlien 
we  have  slain  them,  both  father  and  son,  then  thou  wilt  be 
slain  among  them,  such  things  dost  thou  meditate  to  do  in 
the  palace ;  and  thou  wilt  atone  for  them  with  thy  own  head. 
Ilut  when  we  shall  have  taken  away  thy  strength  with  the 
brass,  thy  possessions,  whatever  thou  hast,  both  those  within, 
and  those  out  of  doors,  we  will  mix  with  the  possessions  of  Ulys¬ 
ses:  nor  will  we  suffer  thy  sons  or  daughters  to  dwell  in  thy 
palaces,  nor  thy  prudent  wife  to  abide  in  the  city  of  Ithaca.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  Minerva  was  more  enraged  at  heart, 
and  she  chided  Ulysses  with  wrathful  words : 

“  No  longer  is  thy  strength  firm,  O  Ulysses,  nor  hast  thou 
any  courage,  such  as  Avhen  thou  foughtest  after  nine  years 
with  the  Trojans,  over,  without  ceasing,  for  white-armed,  ro- 
ble-born  Ileleny  and  many  men  didst  thou  slay  in  terrible 
strife,  and  by  thy  counsel  was  the  wide-wayed  city  of  Troy 
taken.  How  now  then,  when  thou  art  come  to  thine  own 
house  and  possessions,  dost  thou  fail  in  being  valiant’®  against 
the  suitors  ?  But  come  hither,  my  soft  friend,  stand  near  me, 
and  behold  a  deed,  that  thou  mayest  see,  what  an  one  Mentor 
Alcimedes  is  among  hostile  men,  to  requite  benefits.” 

She  spoke ;  and  did  not  yet  altogether  give  them  a  decided” 
victory,  but  still  tried  the  strength  and  courage  both  of  Ulys¬ 
ses  and  of  his  glory-seeking  son.  But  rushing  up  to  the  roof 
of  the  shining  palace,  she  sat  down,  like  unto  a  swallow  to  be¬ 
hold.  But  Agelaus,  son  of  Damastor,  incited  the  suitors  as 
also  [did]  Euryriomus,  and  Arnphirnedon,  and  Demoptolemus, 
and  Ifisander,  son  of  Folyctor,  and  warlike  Polybus ;  for  in 
valor  they  were  far  the  best  of  the  suitors,  as  many  as  were 
still  alive,  and  they  fought  for  their  lives:  but  the  others  the 
bow  and  the  fleet  arrows  had  already  subdued.  And  Agelaus 
spoke  to  them,  addressing  discourse  to  all : 

”  O  friends,  now  will  this  man  restrain  his  invincible  hands; 
even  Mentor  has  gone,  having  spoken  vain  prayers  for  him, 
and  they  are  left  alone  at  the  first  gates.  Now  therefore  do 

d\o(pvpeai.  Schol.  (XTrodeiXulc,  V7roicf'h’:p,  vTro^dcTTepog  y'ivy. 

”  Cf.  yEscIi.  Pers.  1)5G,  and  Alberti  on  ilesycli.  t.  ii.  p.  1481.  The 
more  literal  meaniiifx  would  be,  “she  did  not  yet  give  them  a  victory 
that  overcame  the  other  side.”  The  word  appears  to  be  here  used  act¬ 
ively  =“  conquering  the  other  side.”  It  is  generally  the  reverse. 


304 


ODYSSEY.  XXIL 


[251— 21);5. 


not  all  at  the  same  time  send  forth  your  long  spears  ;  but 
come,  six  of  you  hurl  first,  if  Jove  Avill  grant  that  Ulysses 
may  be  wounded,  and  that  we  obtain  renown  :  but  for  the 
others  there  is  no  care,  when  he  at  least  shall  have  fallen.” 

Thus  he  spoke;  and  tliey  all  eager  hurled  their  javelins, 
as  he  commanded  ;  but  Minerva  made  them  all  vain.  One 
of  them  struck  the  pillar  of  the  Avell-reared  palace,  another 
the  closely-fitted  door  ;  and  the  ashen  shaft  of  another,  heavy 
with  brass,  fell  in  the  wall.  But  when  they  had  avoided  the 
spears  of  the  suitors,  to  them  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses 
began  discourse : 

“  O  friends,  now  would  I  say  that  we  should  hurl  our  jav¬ 
elins  into  the  crowd  of  the  suitors,  who  desire  to  slay  us  in 
addition  to  the  former  evils.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  and  they  all  hurled  their  sharp  spears, 
aiming  opposite  :  Ulysses  slew  Demoptolemus,  and  Telema- 
chus  Euryades,  and  the  swine-herd  Elatus,  and  the  herdsman 
of  oxen  slew  Pisander :  then  all  of  them  bit  the  immense  floor 
with  their  teeth.  But  the  suitors  retreated  to  the  recess  of 
the  palace :  but  they  rushed  upon  them,  and  took  out  the 
spears  from  the  dead.  And  the  suitors  again  eager  hurled 
their  sharp  spears;  but  Minerva  made  many  of  them  vain. 
One  of  them  struck  the  pillar  of  the  well-reared  palace,  an¬ 
other  the  closely-fitted  door ;  and  the  ash  of  another,  heavy 
with  brass,  fell  in  the  wall.  But  Arnphimedon  struck  Telem- 
achus  on  the  hand  at  the  wrist,  so  as  to  graze,  and  the  brass 
hurt  the  surface  of  the  skin.  But  Ctesipjius  grazed  Eumasus 
upon  the  shoulder  over  his  shield,  with  his  long  spear,  but  it 
flew  over  and  fell  to  the  ground.  But  they  again  with  wise, 
crafty  Ulysses,  hurled  their  sharp  spears  into  the  crowd  of 
suitors ;  then  city-destroying  Ulysses  struck  Eiirydamus,  and 
Telemachus  Arnphimedon,  and  the  swine-herd  Polybus;  then 
the  herdsman  of  oxen  struck  Ctesippus  on  the  breast;  and 
boasting  over  him,  addressed  him  : 

“  O  son  of  Polytherses,  lover  of  gibing,  do  not,  yielding  to 
thy  folly,  altogether  speak  bigly,  but  leave  words  to  the  gods ; 
since  they  are  much  superior.  This  is  an  hospitable  gift  for 
thee  in  turn  for  the  foot  which  thou  once  gavest  godlike  Ub-s- 
ses,  while  beoMn"  throuo-h  the  house.” 

Jdie  herdsman  of  curved-horned  oxen  spoke  ;  but  Ulysses 
vvounded  the  son  of  Damastor  hand  to  hand  with  a  long  spear; 


21)4—329.] 


ODYSSEY.  XXII. 


305 


and  Telemachus  wounded  Leiocritus,  son  of  Evenor,  with  a 
spear,  in  the  middle  of  the  belly,  and  he  drove  the  brass  en¬ 
tirely  through  ;  and  he  fell  on  his  face,  and  smote  the  earth 
with  his  whole  forehead.  Then  Minerva  held  up  her  man- 
destroying  MCgis  on  high  from  the  roof;  and  their  minds  were 
buttered.  And  they  fled  through  the  palace,  like  herding 
cattle,  upon  which  a  swift  gad-fly  has  rushed,  and  thrown 
into  confusion,  in  the  spring-time,  when  the  days  are  long. 
'J'hey,  like  as  crooked-clawed,  bow-beaked^^  vultures,  coming 
from  the  mountains,  pounce  upon  the  birds  which  go  along, 
crouching  at  the  nets  in  the  plain,  but  they,  leaping  upon 
them,  destroy  them,  nor  is  there  any  defense,  or  escape  ;  and 
men  rejoice  in  the  prey:  so  they,  rushing  upon  the  suitors  in* 
the  house,  struck  them  upon  all  sides ;  and  there  arose  an 
unseemly  mourning  from  them,  while  their  heads  were  strick¬ 
en  ;  and  the  whole  pavement  bubbled  with  gore.  And  Leio- 
des  rushing  seized  the  knees  of  Ulysses,  and  supplicating  him, 
spoke  winged  words : 

“I  implore  thee,  O  Ulysses;  and  do  thou  reverence  me, 
and  pity  me ;  for  I  do  not  think  that  to  any  of  the  women  in 
the  palace  I  have  spoken  or  done  any  thing  wicked :  but  I 
even  restrained  the  other  suitors,  whoever  did  such  things. 
l>ut  they  did  not  obey  me,  so  as  to  keep  off  their  hands  from 
evil  deeds.  Therefore  through  their  wickedness  they  have 
ilrawn  on  an  unseemly  fate,  lint  I,  a  soothsayer  among 
them,  having  done  nothing,  will  fall.  Thus  are  there  no 
thanks  hereafter  for  good  deeds.” 

Ilut  him  much-counseling  Ulysses  sternly  regarding,  ad¬ 
dressed  :  “  If  indeed  thou  dost  profess  to  be  a  soothsayer 
among  them,  oftentimes  then  thou  must  have  prayed  in  the 
palace,  that  the  end  of  a  sweet  return  might  be  far  from  me, 
and  that  my  dear  wife  might  follow  thee,  and  bring  forth 
children  [to  thee]:  therefore  shalt  thou  not  escape  sad-slum- 
bering  death.” 

'J'hus  having  spoken,  he  took  in  his  strong  hand  a  sword, 
lying  down,  which  Agelaus,  when  slain,  threw  from  him  upon 
the  ground;  with  this  he  smote  him  in  the  middle  of  the 
neck.  And  the  head  of  him  crying  out  was  mixed  in  the  dust. 

i  Cf.  Yirg.  Georg,  iii.  14G,  sqq.  ;  .Apollon.  Rhod.  i.  12G5,  sqq.  with 

I  the  Scholiast. 

“  So  Cowper. 


30G 


ODYSSEY.  XXII. 


[330—370. 


But  Phemius,  son  of  Terpius,  the  bard,  avoided  black  Fate, 
who  indeed  had  sung  among  the  suitors  through  compulsion  ; 
and  he  stood  holding  the  clear-toned  harp  in  his  hands,  near 
the  high  gate :  and  he  meditated  two  Avays  in  his  mind, 
whether,  going  out  of  the  palace,  he  should  sit  at  the  Avell- 
built  altar  of  mighty  Hercaean  Jove,  where  Laertes  and  Ulys¬ 
ses  burned  many  thighs  of  oxen  ;  or  rushing  to  Ulysses,  should 
supplicate  him  at  his  knees.  And  thus  to  him  considering 
it  seemed  to  be  better  to  take  hold  of  the  knees  of  Ulysses, 
son  of  Laertes.  He  indeed  placed  the  hollow  harp  upon  the 
ground,  betAveen  the  cup  and  the  silver-studded  throne :  but 
he  himself  then  rushing  to  Ulysses,  laid  hold  of  his  knees, 
'and  supplicating  him,  spoke  Avinged  Avords : 

“  I  entreat  thee,  O  Ulysses ;  and  do  thou  re\'erc  me  and 
pity  me :  there  Avill  be  sorroAv  to  thee  thyself  hereafter,  if 
thou  slayest  me,  a  bard,  Avho  sing  to  gods  and  men.  But  I 
am  self-taught ;  and  God  has  breathed  into  my  mind  all 
kinds  of  songs ;  and  I  am  able  to  sing  to  thee  as  to  a  god ; 
therefore  dp  not  be  desirous  to  cut  off  my  head.  Even  Telem- 
achus,  thy  beloved  son,  Avould  say  thus,  hoAV  neither  Avilling- 
ly,  nor  desiring  [to  do  so],  I  have  resorted  to  thy  house,  to 
sing  at  feasts  to  the  suitors,  but  many  more  and  superior  men 
brought  me  by  compulsion.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  and  the  sacred  might  of  Telemachus  heard 
him,  and  he  immediately  addressed  his  father,  Avho  Avas  near : 

“  lie  strain  thyself,  nor  by  any  means  Avound  this  blameless 
man  Avith  the  brass.  And  Ave  Avill  save  the  herald  Medon, 
Avho  always  took  care  of  me  in  our  house,  Avhile  I  Avas  a  child  ; 

V  if  indeed  Philmtius,  or  the  SAvine-herd,  have  not  already  slain 
him,  or  he  has  met  Avith  thee  Avhen  aroused  in  the  house.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  Medon,  Avho  kenned  prudent  things, 
heard  him  ;  for  he  lay  crouching  under  a  throne,  and  a  neAvly" 
flayed  skin  of  an  oxAvas  put  around  him,  avoiding  black  Fate. 
And  he  immediately  arose  from  the  throne,  and  quickly  put 
off  tlie  ox  hide,  then  rushing  to  Telemachus,  he  laid  hold  of 
his  knees,  and  supplicating  him,  spoke  Avinged  Avords : 

“  O  friend,  I  indeed  am  here  ;  but  do  thou  restrain  thyself; 
and  speak  to  thy  father,  lest,  being  excessively  powerful,  he 
destroy  me  Avith  the  shar})  brass,  enraged  against  the  suitors, 
Avho  haA’e  AA'asted  his  Avealth  in  the  palace,  but,  fools!  did  not 
honor  thee.” 


371—113.] 


ODYSSEY.  XXII. 


307 


But  much-planning  Ulysses,  smiling  on  him,  addressed  him  : 
“  Be  confident,  since  he  has  freed  thee  and  saved  thee,  that 
thou  mayest  know  in  thy  mind,  and  mayest  also  tell  to  an' 
other,  how  far  better  doing  good  is  than  doing  evil.  But  go¬ 
ing  out  of  the  palace  into  the  hall,  sit  out  of  doors,  away  from 
the  slaughter,  thou  and  the  much- voiced  bard,  while  I  labor 
in  the  house,  what  I  have  need.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  and  they  two  went  out,  going  from  the 
palace.  Tlien  they  sat  at  the  altar  of  mighty  Jove,  looking 
about  on  all  sides,  continually  expecting  death.  But  Ulysses 
looked  about  in  his  bouse,  whether  any  one  of  men  still  alive 
was  concealed,  avoiding  black  Fate.  And  he  saw  them  all 
fallen  in  blood  and  dust,  in  great  numbers,  as  fish,  which  the 
fishermen  have  drawn  upon  the  hollow  beach  out  from  the 
hoary  sea  with  a  net  of  many  holes :  and  they  all  regretting 
the  waves  of  the  sea  have  been  poured  out  upon  the  sands, 
but  their  life  the  shining  Sun  has  taken  away :  thus  then  the 
suitors  were  poured  over  one  another.  Then  at  length  much- 
planning  Ulys.ses  addressed  Telemachus  : 

“  Telemachus,  come,  call  to  me  the  nurse  Euryclea,  that  1 
may  tell  her  something  which  is  in  my  mind.” 

Thus  he  spoke;  and  Telemachus  obeyed  his  dear  father; 
and  moving  the  door,  he  addressed  the  nurse  Euryclea:  “Now 
arise  [to  come]  hither,  O  ancient  old  woman,  thou  who  art  the 
overseer  of  our  women-servants  in  the  palace  :  come ;  my  fa¬ 
ther  calls  thee,  that  he  may  tell  thee  something.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  and  to  her  the  word  was  unwinged  ;  and 
she  opened  the  gates  of  the  well-inhabited  palace,  and  hasten¬ 
ed  to  go  :  but  Telemachus  first  led  the  way.  She  then  found 
Ulysses  among  the  slain  and  dead,  besmeared  with  blood  and 
gore  ;  like  as  a  lion  who  comes,  having  devoured  a  field-dwell¬ 
ing  ox,  and  all  his  breast,  and  his  cheeks  on  both  sides  arc 
bloody;  and  he  is  terrible  in  his  visage  to  behold:  thus  was 
Ulysses  besmeared  as  to  his  feet  and  hands  above.  But  slie, 
when  she  beheld  the  corses,  and  the  immense  (juantity  of 
blood,  proceeded  to  shout  out,  since  she  beheld  a  terrible 
deed  ;  but  Ulysses  restrained  and  hindered  her,  although  ea¬ 
ger,  and  addressing  her,  he  spoke  winged  words  : 

“Rejoice,  O  aged  woman,  in  thy  mind,  and  restrain  thyself, 
nor  shout  out;  it  is  not  holy  to  boast  over  slain  men.  But 
the  fate  of  the  gods  has  subdued  the.,c,  and  their  foolish  deeds; 


308 


ODYSSEY.  XXII. 


[414—454. 


for  they  respected  no  one  of  mortal  men,  either  wicked  or  good, 
whoever  came  to  them  ;  therefore  through  their  infatuation 
they  have  drawn  on  an  unseemly  fate.  But  come,  do  thou 
enumerate  to  me  the  women  in  the  palace,  both  who  dishonor 
me,  and  who  are  innocent.” 

But  him  the  dear  nurse  Euryclca  addressed  in  turn : 
“Therefore,  my  child,  will  I  tell  thee  the  truth.  Thou  hast 
fifty  women-servants  in  the  palace,  which  we  have  taught  to 
work  works, to  card  fleeces,  and  to  endure  servitude:  of 
these  twelve  have  trod  the  path  of  shamelessness,  neither  I’e- 
specting  me  nor  Penelope  herself.  But  Telemachus  has  but 
lately  grown  up,  nor  did  his  mother  suffer  him  to  give  direc¬ 
tions  to  the  women-servants.  But  come,  ascending  to  the 
beautiful  upper  room,  I  will  tell  thy  wife,  upon  whom  some 
god  has  brought  on  sleep.” 

But  her  much  -  planning  Ulysses  answering  addressed  : 
“  Do  not  yet  rouse  her  up ;  but  do  thou  bid  the  women  come 
hither,  who  have  before  devised  disgraceful  deeds.” 

Thus^  he  spoke ;  and  the  old  woman  went  through  tlie  pal- 
aee  to  tell  the  women,  and  to  incite  them  to  return.  But  he, 
calling  Telemachus  and  the  herdsman  and  swine-herd  to  him, 
spoke  winged  words  : 

“Now  begin  to  carry  away  the  dead,  and  bid  the  women 
[do  soj  ;  and  then  clean  the  very  beautiful  thrones  and  tables 
with  water  and  much-perforated  sponges.  But  when  ye  have 
arranged  all  things  in  the  house,  takino;  the  handmaidens  out 
of  the  well-reared  palace,  strike  them  with  long-pointed  swords 
between  the  dome  and  the  spotless  court  of  the  hall,  until 
ye  have  taken  away  the  lives  of  all  of  them,  and  they  have 
forgotten  Venus,  whom  they  enjoyed  with  the  suitors,  and 
■were  mingled  secretly  [in  love].” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  and  the  Avomen  came  all  together,  lament¬ 
ing  sadly,  shedding  the  Avarm  tear.  First  indeed  then  they 
carried  aAvay  the  dead  corses,  and  they  placed  them  under  the 
portico  of  the  Avell-inclosed  court,  resting  against  each  other:^^ 
and  Ulysses  himself  gave  directions,  hastening  them  :  and  they 
carried  them  out  even  by  compulsion.  But  Avlien  they  had 
clejinsed  the  very  beautiful  thrones  and  tables,  Avith  Avater,  and 
much-perforated  sponges.  But  Telemachus  and  the  herds- 

Observe  the  ancient  pleonastic  form  of  expression. 

'*  In  order  to  support  the  weight. 


f54— 487.] 


ODYSSEY.  XXII. 


309 


man  and  s\vine-lierd  polished  the  pavement  of  the  stout-built 
house  with  scrapers;  and  the  handmaidens  carried  away  [the 
dirt],  and  put  it  out  of  doors.  But  Avhen  they  had  put  in  or¬ 
der  the  whole  palace  throughout,  leading  out  the  handmaid¬ 
ens  from  the  well-made  palace,  between  the  dome,  and  the 
spotless  court  of  the  hall,  they  shut  them  up  in  a  narrow  pal¬ 
ace,  from  w'hence  it  was  not  possible  to  escape.  And  pru¬ 
dent  Teleinachus  began  to  address  them  : 

“  I  would  not  indeed  take  away  the  life  of  these  [w'omen] 
with  a  pure  death, these,  who  have  poured  reproaches  upon 
my  head,  and  upon  my  mother,  and  have  slept  wnth  the  suit¬ 
ors.” 

Tlius  he  spoke  ;  and  fastening  the  cable  of  an  azure-prowed 
ship  to  a  tall  column,  he  threw  it  round  the  dome,  stretching 
it  out  on  high,  that  no  one  might  reach  the  ground  with  her 
feet.  But  as  wdien  cither  broad-winged  thrushes  or  doves 
strike  against  a  net,  which  stood  in  a  thicket,  as  they  are  en¬ 
tering  their  nest,  and  a  hateful  bed  has  received  them  :  so 
they  held  their  heads  in  order,  and  around  all  their  necks  were 
cords,  that  they  might  die  as  miserably  as  possible.  And  they 
struggled  convulsively  with  their  feet  for  a  little  while,  not 
very  long.  And  they  brought  Melanthius  out  through  the 
vestibule  and  the  hall ;  his  nostrils  and  cars  they  cut  off  with 
the  cruel  brass ;  and  his  secret  parts  they  drew  out,  for  the 
dogs  to  eat  raw,  and  they  lopped  off  his  hands  and  feet,  W'itli 
wrathful  mind.  They  then  having  washed  their  hands  and 
feet,  went  to  the  house,  to  Ulysses :  and  the  work  was  com¬ 
pleted.  But  he  addressed  the  dear  nurse  Euryclea : 

“Bring  sulphur,  O  old  woman,  as  a  remedy  for  ills,^”  and 
bi-ing  me  lire,  that  I  may  fumigate  the  palace :  and  do  thou 
desire  Penelope  to  come  hither,  'with  her  women  attendants : 
and  order  all  the  handmaidens  in  the  house  to  come.” 

But  him  the  dear  nurse  Euryclea  addressed  in  turn  :  “  Of 
a  truth,  indeed,  my  child,  hast  thou  spoken  these  things  right¬ 
ly.  But  come,  I  will  bring  thee  garments,  both  a  cloak  and 

Eustathius  observes,  Ka9apbg  pev  u  bid  ^i(pov£  tboKti  OdvaTog,  piapog 
b't  6  dyxovipaTog.  Nevertheless,  hanging,  in  later  days,  was  the  favorite 
death  with  the  heroines  of  tragedy. 

It  was  customary  40  make  a  lustration  in  a  house  in  which  murder 
or  slaughter  had  been  eommitted.  The  student  will  find  illustrations  in 
Lomcier  de  Lustration,  §  xxx. 


310 


ODYSSEY.  XXIII.  [488—501.  xxiii.  1—12. 


tunic  :  nor  do  thou  stand  thus  in  the  palace,  having  thy  broad 
slioulders  covered  with  rags :  it  would  be  matter  for  indigna¬ 
tion.” 

But  her  much -planning  Ulysses  answering  addressed: 
“  First  of  all  now  let  me  have  fire  in  the  palace.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  nor  did  the  dear  nurse  Furyclea  disobey 
him,  and  she  brought  fire  and  sulphur :  and  Ulysses  Avell  fu¬ 
migated  the  palace,  and  tlie  house,  and  the  hall.  The  old. 
woman  then  went  up  through  the  beautiful  house  of  Ulysses, 
to  tell  the  women,  and  to  urge  them  to  come:  and  they  came 
from  the  palace,  holding  a  torch  in  their  hands.  They  in¬ 
deed  were  poured  around  him,  and  greeted  Ulysses,  and  em¬ 
bracing  him,  they  kissed  his  head  and  shoulders,  laying  hold 
of  his  hands:  but  a  sweet  desire  of  wailing  and  mourning 
possessed  him  ;  for  he  knew  them  all  in  his  mind. 


BOOK  XXIII. 


ARGUMENT. 


Penelope,  after  some  hesitation,  recognizes  Ulysses,  and  he  gives  satis¬ 
factory  proofs  of  his  return.  lie  gives  a  brief  narrative  of  his  adven¬ 
tures.  In  the  morning  Ulysses,  Telemachus,  Eumteus,  and  Philsetius, 
leave  the  city  in  order  to  go  to  Laertes. 

And  the  old  woman  went  up  to  the  upper  room  exulting, 
to  tell  her  mistress  that  her  dear  husband  wtis  within  ;  and 
her  knees  were  strengthened,  tuid  her  feet  hastened  on  and 
she  stood  over  her  head,  and  tiddressed  her : 

“  Arise,  Penelope,  dear  child,  that  thou  mayest  behold  with 
thine  eyes,  things  which  thou  desirest  all  thy  dtiys :  Ulys.ses 
has  arrived,  and  has  reached  home,  although  having  come 
late.  And  he  has  slain  the  liaughty  suitoi’s,  who  injured  his 
liousc,  and  consumed  his  wealth,  and  treated  his  son  with  vi¬ 
olence.” 

But  her  ])rudent  Penelope  addressed  in  turn :  “  Dear 
nurse,  the  gods  have  driven  thee  frantic ;  who  indeed  are  able 
to  make  one  foolish,  although  one  be  very  wise,  and  have 

*  'YTTtpiKTaii'ovTo  (from  tKTaf)),=tKtvovvTo.  Lex.  ^IS.  apud  Alberti 
uu  Ilcsycli.  t.  ii.  p.  1451),  “jtcilcs  cito  commovebat  propter  liutitium.” 


13-54.] 


ODYSSEY.  XXIII. 


311 


changed  a  vain-minded  person  to  prudence  ;  they  have  hurt 
even  thee;  but  before  thou  wast  right  in  tliy  understanding. 
Wliy  dost  thou  taunt  me,  who  have  a  much-sorrowing  mind, 
speaking  these  out-of-the-way  things'?  and  wliy  hast  thou 
upraised  me  from  pleasant  sleep,  which  bound  me,  covering 
around  my  dear  eyelids  1  .  For  never  have  I  slept  such  a  slce[), 
since  Ulysses  went  to  see  ill-Troy,  not  to  be  named.  But 
come,  descend  now,  and  go  back  to  the  palace.  For  if  any 
one  else  of  the  women,  whom  1  have,  had  come  telling  me 
these  things,  and  had  raised  me  up  from  sleep,  then  would  I 
soon  have  sent  her  back  severely,  to  return  again  within  the 
palace  ;  but  in  this  thy  old  age  will  profit  thee.” 

But  her  the  dear  nurse  Euryclea  addressed  in  turn:  “I  do 
not  taunt  thee,  dear  child ;  but  Ulysses  truly  is  come,  and  has 
reached  home,  as  I  say,  the  stranger,  whom  all  dishonored  in 
the  palace;  but  Telemachus  some  time  since  knew  him,  being 
within,  but  by  his  prudence  he  concealed  his  knowledge  of  his 
father,  that  he  might  be  revenged  on  the  violence  of  haughty 
men.” 

Thus  she  spoke;  but  she  rejoiced,  and  leaping  from  her 
bed,  embraced  the  old  woman,  and  from  her  eyelids  sent  forth 
a  tear ;  and  addressing  her,  she  spoke  winged  words : 

“  Come,  dear  nurse,  tell  me  truly,  if  he  indeed  has  reached 
home,  as  thou  sayest,  how  did  he  lay  hands  upon  the  shame¬ 
less  suitors,  being  alone,  while  they  always  remained  together 
within.” 

But  her  the  dear  nurse  Euryclea  addressed  in  turn  :  “  I  did 
not  sec,  nor  did  1  impure,  but  I  heard  only  the  groaning  of 
them  being  slain  ;  but  we,  atirighted,  sat  in  the  recess  of  the 
well-built  chambers,  and  the  well-fitted  doors  held  fast ;  before 
that  thy  son  Telemachus  called  me  from  the  palace :  for  his 
father  sent  him  on  to  call  me.  Then  I  found  Ulysses  stand¬ 
ing  among  the  slain  corses;  but  they  around  him  possessing 
the  stone-paved  ground,  lay  upon  one  another :  thou  Avouldst 
have  rejoiced  in  thy  mind,  beholding  him  [bedaubed  witli  blood 
and  gore,  like  a  lion].  Now  indeed  they  ai-c  all  together  at 
the  court  gates:  but  he  is  fumigating  the  most  beautiful 
house,  having  kindled  a  great  lire :  but  he  sent  me  on  to  call 
thee.  But  follow,  that  both  of  you  may  obtain  delight  in 
your  dear  hearts;  since  ye  have  suflered  many  evils.  Jbit 
now  ut  length  this  long  hope  is  accom[)lished.  lie  himself 


312 


ODYSSEY.  XXIII. 


[55-^89. 


lias  come  alive  to  the  hearth,  and  he  has  found  thee,  and  his 
son  in  the  palace ;  but  the  suitors  who  treated  him  evilly,  he 
has  revenged  himself  upon  .all  of  them  in  his  own  house.” 

But  her  prudent  Penelope  addressed  in  turn  :  “  O  dear 
nurse,  do  not  by  any  means  boast  greatly,  exulting ;  for  thou 
knowest  how  Avelcomc  he  would  appear  to  all  in  the  palace, 
but  especially  to  me,  and  to  my  son,  to  whom  we  gave  life. 
But  this  is  not  a  true  tale,  as  thou  tellest  it;  but  some  one 
of  the  immortals  has  slain  the  noble  suitors,  beino;  indignant 
at  their  mind-grieving  insolence  and  evil  deeds :  for  they  hon¬ 
ored  no  one  of  mortal  men,  either  bad  or  good,  whoever  came 
to  them;  wherefore  through  their  infatuation  have  they  suf¬ 
fered  ill :  but  Ulysses  has  lost  his  return,  far  away  from 
Achaia,  and  has  himself  perished.” 

But  her  the  dear  nurse  Euryclea  then  answered:  “  IMy 
child,  what  word  has  escaped  thy  lips?  didst  thou  never  think 
that  thy  husband,  who  was  within  at  the  hearth,  Avould  never 
come  home?  but  thy  mind  is  ever  incredulous.  But  come,  I 
will  tell  thee  some  other  very  plain  sign  ;  the  scar,  which  once 
a  boar  inflicted  upon  him  with  his  white  tusk,  this  I  perceived 
while  washing  him:  and  I  wished  to  tell  thee  thyself;  but 
he,  taking  hold  of  mo  upon  the  mouth  with  his  hands,  did 
not  allow  me  to  tell  thee,  through  the  great  knowledge  of  his 
mind.  But  follow^ ;  and  I’  w’ill  lay  dowm  a  pledge  for  my- 
self,3  j  deceive  thee,  that  thou  shalt  kill  me  by  a  most 
grievous  destruction.” 

But  her  prudent  Penelope  then  answ’ored:  “Dear  nurse,  it 
is  diflicult  for  thee  to  know'  the  counsels  of  the  gods,  who  are 
forever,  although  thou  art  very  skillful ;  but,  however,  let  us 
go  to  my  son,  that  I  may  see  the  dead  suitors,  and  him  who 
slew  them.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  she  w'ent  dowm  from  the  upper  room ; 
but  much  did  iier  heart  meditate,  whether  she  should  inquire 
of  her  dear  husband  afar  off,  or  standing  near  him,  should 
kiss  his  head,  taking  hold  of  his  hands.  But  wdien  she  enter¬ 
ed  and  passed  over  the  stone  threshold,  then  she  sat  opposite 

^  The  full  force  of  avTup  seems  to  bo,  “  and  I,  for  my  part,  will,”  etc. 

^  Cf.  II.  X.  254,  Oeovg  tTrifwpfOa,  “let  us  give  the  gods  as  icitnesses.”  \ 
See  Thiersch,  p.  481,  sq.  xj/.  485,  rpiTro^og  Trfpidio/ufOa  7/e  XejSr/Tog.  | 
Ilesychius,  Trepidiocopai,  avvBr/KOTvou/aopai,  i.  e.  “1  will  make  this  stip¬ 
ulation  Avith  thee.”  See  Alberti  on  v.  irepictbpeOu. 


89—130.] 


ODYSSEY.  XXIII. 


313 


Ulysses  in  the  light  of  the  fire,  against  the  other  wall :  but 
he  sat  against  a  tall  pillar,  looking  down,  expecting,  whether 
his  noble  wife  would  speak  to  him,  when  she  beheld  him  with 
her  eyes.  But  she  sat  in  silence  for  a  long  time,  and  aston¬ 
ishment  came  upon  her  heart.  At  one  moment  indeed  she 
looked  face  to  face  at  him  with  her  eyes,  but  at  another  mo¬ 
ment  she  knew  him  not,  having  evil  garments  on  his  body. 
But  Telemachus  chided  her,  and  spoke,  and  addressed  her : 

“  O  mother  mine,  ill-mother,  who  hast  a  cruel  mind,  why 
dost  thou  thus  keep  away  from  my  father,  nor  sitting  near 
him,  dost  question  [him]  with  words,  or  inquire?  No  other 
woman  indeed  would  thus  with  hardy  mind  have  stood  away 
from  her  husband,  who,  having  suffered  many  ills,  had  reached 
his  paternal  land  in  the  twentieth  year :  but  thy  heart  is  hard¬ 
er  than  stone.” 

But  him  prudent  Penelope  addressed  in  turn:  “My  child, 
my  mind  in  my  breast  is  astonished ;  neither  can  I  speak  any 
word  to  him,  nor  inquire  of  him,  nor  regard  his  face  opposite; 
but  if  indeed  it  is  Ulysses,  and  he  has  reached  home,  even  bet¬ 
ter  shall  we  know  one  another ;  for  there  arc  signs  between 
us,  which  we  know,  secreted  from  others.” 

Thus  she  spoke  ;  but  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  smiled, 
and  he  immediately  addressed  to  Telemachus  winged  words : 

“Telemachus,  suffer  then  thy  mother  in  the  palace  to  try 
me;  and  soon  she  will- know  me  more  certainly.  But  now, 
because  I  am  squalid,  and  am  clothed  with  evil  garments 
around  my  body,  therefore  does  she  disregard  me,  and  does 
not  yet  account  that  I  am  he.  But  let  us  consider,  how  it 
will  be  best.  For  a  man  having  slain  one  man  among  a  peo¬ 
ple,  who  has  not  many  avengers  hereafter,  flies,  leaving  his 
relations  and  his  paternal  land :  but  we  have  slain  the  defense 
of  a  city,  those  who  are  far  the  best  of  the  youths  in  Ithaca ; 
therefore  I  beg  of  thee  to  consider.” 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn:  “Dost 
thou  look  to  these  things,  my  dear  father ;  for  they  say  that 
thy  plan  is  the  best  among  men,  nor  would  any  other  man 
among  mortal  men  contend  wdth  thee.  But  we  eagerly  will 
follow  with  thee,  nor  do  I  think  that  we  shall  at  all  want 
tourage,  whatever  power  we  have.” 

But  him  much-counseling  Ulysses  answering  addressed : 
‘‘Therefore  will  1  say,  as  it  seems  to  me  to  be  best.  First 

O 


314 


ODYSSEY.  XXIII. 


[131—170. 


then  wash  yourselves,  and  put  on  tunics,  and  order  the  hand¬ 
maidens  in  the  palace  to  take  their  garments ;  and  let  the  di¬ 
vine  bard,  having  the  tuneful  harp,  lead  for  us  the  sport-lov¬ 
ing  dance,  that  any  one  may  say  it  is  a  marriage,  hearing  it 
from  without,  either  going  along  the  w'ay,  or  [if  he  be  of  those] 
who  dwell  around :  lest  the  wide  rumor  of  the  slaughter  of 
the  suitors  should  arise  throughout  the  city,  before  we  go  out 
to  our  much-wooded  farm  :  there  then  will  we  consider,  what 
gain  Jove  will  vouchsafe  us.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  and  they  heard  him  well,  and  obeyed  :  first 
then  they  washed  themselves,  and  put  on  tunics ;  and  the  wo¬ 
men  made  themselves  ready,  and  the  divine  bard  took  the  hol¬ 
low  harp,  and  stirred  up  among  them  the  desire  of  the  sw'eet 
song,  and  the  harmless  dance.  And  the  great  house  resound¬ 
ed  around  with  the  feet  of  men  and  beautiful-girded  women, 
sporting.  And  thus  some  one  said,  hearing  it  from  without 
the  dwelling : 

“  Of  a  truth,  indeed,  some  one  has  married  the  much- wooed 
queen :  foolish  woman !  nor  has  she  endured  to  guard  the 
large  house  of  her  virgin  husband  continually,  until  that  he 
should  come.” 

Thus  indeed  some  one  said ;  but  they  knew  not  these 
things,  how  they  were  done.  And  the  housekeeper,  Euryn- 
ome,  washed  magnanimous  Ulysses  in  his  own  house,  and 
anointed  him  with  oil ;  and  she  threw  a  beautiful  robe  around 
him,  and  a  tunic.  But  Minerva  shed  much  beauty  down  from 
his  head,  [and  made  him]^  taller  and  larger  to  behold:  and 
from  his  head  she  sent  down  curled  hair,  like  unto  an  hyacin- 
thine  flower.  As  when  some  skillful  man  pours  gold  around 
silver,  whom  Vulcan  and  Pallas  Minerva  have  taught  all  kinds 
of  art,  and  he  executes  graceful  works :  so  around  his  head 
and  shoulders  did  she  pour  grace.  And  he  went  out  of  the 
bath  in  person  like  unto  the  immortals :  and  he  sat  down 
again  on  the  throne,  from  whence  he  arose,  opposite  his  wife, 
and  addressed  her  in  words : 

“Honored  lady,  they  who  possess  the  Olympian  houses 
have  given  thee  a  heart  Iiard  above  female  women :  no  other 
woman  indeed  would  thus,  with  enduring  mind,  have  stood 
away  from  her  husband,  who  having  sutfered  many  ills,  had 
reached  his  paternal  land  in  the  twentieth  year.  But  com®, 

*  Ubjsorve  the  zeiigtiia  in 


171—210.] 


ODYSSEY.  XXIII. 


315 


nurse,  strew  a  bed  for  me,  that  I  may  lie  down  by  myself:  for 
surely  her  mind  is  of  steel  in  her  breast.” 

Ilut  him  prudent  Penelope  addressed  in  turn :  “  Sir,  I 
neither  magnify  thee  at  all,  nor  disregard  thee,  nor  do  I  very 
much  wonder  at  thee :  but  I  very  well  know,  what  an  one 
tliou  wast,  when  thou  didst  depart  from  Ithaca  in  a  long- 
oared  ship.  But  come,  Euryclea,  strew  a  dense  bed  for  him 
without  the  well-reared  chamber,  which  he  himself  made. 
There  place  for  him  a  thick  bed,  and  throw  clothing  on  it, 
fleeces,  and  cloaks,  and  beautiful  rugs.” 

Thus  indeed  she  spoke,  trying  her  husband ;  but  Ulysses 
grieving  addressed  his  wife,  who  knew  prudent  things : 

“  O  lady ;  very  grievous  indeed  is  this  word  thou  hast  ut¬ 
tered.  Who  has  placed  my  bed  elsewhere^  difficult  would  it 
be  even  for  one  who  is  very  skillful,  except  the  deity  himself, 
coming,  were  with  ease,  if  he  wished  it,  to  put  it  in  another 
place.  No  living  mortal  among  men  alive,  even  if  he  were  in 
the  vigor  of  youth,  would  easily  move  it  away ;  since  a  great 
sign  is  wrought  in  the  well-worked  bed  ;  which  I  labored,  nor 
any  one  else.  There  was  a  thick-leaved  shrub  of  olive  with¬ 
in  the  court,  in  full  vigor,  and  flourishing ;  and  it  was  thick, 
like  as  a  pillar:  I,  putting  a  chamber  round  this,  built  it,  un¬ 
til  I  finished  it  with  close-set  stones,  and  roofed  it  well  above : 
and  I  placed  on  it  glued  doors,  closely  fitted.  And  then  I 
cut  off*  the  leaves  of  the  thick-leaved  olive ;  and  lopping  off* 
the  trunk  from  the  root,  I  polished  it  round  with  brass,  well 
and  skillfully,  and  straightened  it  according  to  a  rule,  work¬ 
ing  out  a  bed-post ;  and  I  bored  all  with  a  wimble.  And  be¬ 
ginning  from  this  I  polished  the  bed  until  I  finished  it,  varie¬ 
gating  it  with  gold  and  silver  and  ivory,  and  I  stretched  out 
the  thong  of  an  ox  shining  with  purple.  Thus  I  show  thee 
this  sign  ;  nor  do  I  at  all  know,  lady,  whether  the  bed  is  still 
firm,  or  some  one  of  men  has  now  placed  it  elsewhere,  cutting 
off*  the  root  of  the  olive.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  but  her  knees  and  dear  heart  were  loosed, 
as  she  recognized  the  signs  which  Ulysses  told  her  evidently. 
Then  weeping  she  ran  straight  forward,  and  threw  her  hands 
around  the  neck  of  Ulysses,  and  kissed  his  head,  and  address¬ 
ed  him : 

“Lour  not  upon  me,  O  Ulysses,  since  in  other  things  in¬ 
deed  thou  art  especially  prudent  among  men;  but  the  gods 


31G 


ODYSSEY.  XXIII. 


[211—253. 


Iiave  given  thee  toil,  who  envied  that  we,  remaining  near  one 
another,  should  be  delighted  with  youth,  and  reach  the  thresh¬ 
old  of  old  age.  But  do  not  now  be  angry  with  me  for  this, 
nor  indignant,  that  I  did  not  at  first  thus  embrace  thee,  when 
I  beheld  thee;  for  my  mind  always  shudders  in  my  breast, 
for  fear  some  one  of  mortals  coming  should  deceive  me  with 
words,  for  many  devise  evil  means  of  gain.  Nor  would  Ar- 
give  Helen,  born  of  Jove,  have  been  mingled  with  a  foreigner 
in  love  and  in  the  couch,  if  she  had  known  that  the  warlike 
sons  of  the  Grecians  were  about  to  bring  her  home  again  to 
her  dear  country.  But  her  the  deity  indeed  excited  to  do  an 
unseemly  work:  but  she  did  not  before  lay  up  in  her  mind 
the  sad  calamity,  from  which  grief  first  came  also  upon  us. 
But  now,  since  thou  hast  told  me  evident  signs  of  our  bed, 
which  no  other  mortal  has  beheld,  but  only  thou  and  I,  and 
one  handmaiden  only,  Actoris  (whom  my  father  gave  to  me 
coming  hither,  who  kept  for  us  the  door  of  the  close  cham¬ 
ber),  now  thou  persuadest  my  mind,  although  it  is  very  diffi¬ 
cult  [to  be  persuaded].” 

Thus  she  spoke,  and  in  him  excited  still  more  the  desire  of 
grief;  but  he  wept,  holding  his  delightful  wife,  who  knew 
prudent  things.  And  as  when  the  land  has  appeared  welcome 
to  [men]  swimming,  whose  well-built  ship  Neptune  has  wreck¬ 
ed  in  the  sea,  urged  by  the  wind,  and  the  dark  billows,  but 
few  have  escaped  from  the  hoary  sea,  swimming  to  the  shore, 
and  much  brine  has  incrusted  round  their  body,  but  they  glad¬ 
ly  have  stepped  upon  the  land,  escaping  evil;  so  her  husband 
was  welcome  to  her  beholding  him :  but  she  had  not  yet  alto¬ 
gether  let  go  her  white  arms  from  his  neck.  And  now  the 
rosy-fingered  morning  would  have  appeared  while  they  were 
weeping,  had  not  blue-eyed  Minerva  thought  of  other  things. 
She  detained  the  long  night  toward  the  end,  and  still  kept  the 
golden-throncd  Morn  in  the  ocean,  nor  did  she  suffer  her  to 
yoke  her  swift-footed  horses,  that  bear  light  to  men,  Lampus 
and  Phaethon,  steeds  that  lead  the  Morn.  And  then  indeed 
much-planning  Ulysses  addressed  his  wife  : 

“  O  wife,  we  have  not  yet  arrived  at  the  end  of  all  our  toils, 
but  still  there  will  be  an  immeasurable  labor  behind,  great 
and  difficult,  all  which  it  behooves  me  to  accomplish.  For 
thus  the  soul  of  Tircsias  foretold  to  me  on  that  day,  when  I 
went  down  to  the  house  of  Pluto,  seeking  for  a  return  for  my 


253—294.] 


ODYSSEY.  XXIII. 


317 


companions  and  myself.  Bui  come,  wife,  let  us  go  to  bed, 
that  even  now  going  to  rest,  we  may  be  delighted  with  sweet 
sleep.” 

But  him  prudent  Penelope  addressed  in  turn:  “A  bed  in¬ 
deed  tlien  tliere  shall  be  for  thee,  whenever  thou  desirest  it  in 
thine  own  mind;  since  the  gods  have  made  thee  reach  thy 
well-built  house,  and  thy  paternal  land.  But  since  thou  hast 
mentioned  it,  and  God  has  put  it  in  thy  mind,  come,  tell  me 
the  toil;  since  I  think  I  shall  hear  it  afterward:  but  it  is  not 
worse  to  hear  it  immediately.” 

But  her  much-counseling  Ulysses  answering  addressed : 
‘‘  Unhappy  one !  why  indeed  dost  thou  again  desire  me  to 
speak,  urging  me  very  much  ?  but  I  will  relate  [my  adven¬ 
tures],  nor  will  I  conceal  them.  Thy  mind  indeed  will  not 
rejoice ;  for  neither  do  I  myself  rejoice ;  since  he  has  desired 
me  to  go  to  very  many  cities  of  mortals,  having  in  my  hands 
a  well-fitted  oar;  until  I  come  to  those  men,  who  know  not 
the  sea,  and  who  do  not  eat  food  mixed  with  salt,  they  indeed 
neither  know  the  purple-cheeked  ships,  nor  the  well-fitted 
oars,  which  arc  wings  for  ships.  But  he  told  me  this  plain 
sign  ;  (nor  will  I  conceal  it  from  thee  ;)  when  indeed  another 
traveler  meeting  me  should  say  that  I  have  a  winn owing-fan^ 
upon  my  glorious  shoulder,  then  he  desired  me,  having  fixed 
an  oar  in  the  earth,  and  having  offered  excellent  sacrifices  to 
king  Neptune,  a  ram,  and  a  bull,  and  a  boar,  the  mate  of 
swine,  to  go  away  home,  and  to  offer  up  sacred  hecatombs  to 
the  immortal  gods,  who  possess  the  wide  heaven,  to  all  in  or¬ 
der  :  but  death  will  come  upon  me  away  from  the  sea,  gentle, 
such  an  one  as  will  kill  me  overcome  by  happy  old  age :  and 
around  me  the  people  will  be  prosperous;  all  these  things,  he 
said,  would  be  performed.” 

But  him  prudent  Penelope  addressed  in  turn  :  “  If  of  a 
truth  the  gods  make  for  thee  a  better  old  age,  then  indeed 
there  is  hope  that  there  will  be  a  refuge  from  ills.” 

Thus  they  spoke  to  one  another ;  but  in  the  mean  time 
Kurynome  and  the 'nurse  prepared  a  bed  of  soft  cloth¬ 
ing,  by  the  light  of  shining  torches,  busying  themselves. 
And  when  they  had  strewed  the  thick  bed,  the  old  woman 
went  back  to  the  house  to  lie  down.  But  the  chambermaid 
Eurynome  led  them  going  to  bed,  holding  a  torch  in  her 

®  Sec  xi.  127. 


318 


ODYSSEY.  XXIII. 


[295—332. 


hands  ;  and  having  conducted  them  into  the  chamber,  she  went 
away  again  :  they  then  gladly  came  to  the  rites  of  their  an¬ 
cient  bed.°  But  Telemachus  and  the  herdsman  and  swine¬ 
herd  stopped  their  feet  from  dancing,  and  made  the  women 
stop:  and  they  slept  in  the  shady  palace.  But  when  they 
twain  were  satiated  with  agreeable  love,  they  were  delighted 
telling  to  one  another  with  words,  she  indeed,  divine  one  of 
women,  what  things  she  had  endured  in  the  palace,  beholding 
the  destructive  company  of  suitors ;  who  on  her  account  slew 
many  [cattle],  oxen  and  fat  sheep,  and  [by  whom]  much  wine 
was  drawn  from  the  casks.  But  Jove-sprung  Ulysses,  [re¬ 
lating]  what  cares  he  had  brought  upon  men,  and  what  he 
himself  sulfering  had  toiled  through,  told  all ;  she  then  was 
delighted  hearing  it,  nor  did  sleep  fall  upon  her  eyelids,  before 
lie  had  related  all.  And  he  began,  hoAV  first  he  subdued  the 
Ciconians,  but  then  came  to  the  fruitful  land  of  the  men  I^o- 
tophagi ;  and  how  many  deeds  the  Cyclops  did,  and  how  he 
avenged  the  destruction  of  his  doughty  companions,  whom  he 
ate,”^  nor  did  he  pity  tliem  ;  and  how  he  came  to  AKolus,  who 
kindly  received  him  and  sent  him  away ;  nor  yet  was  it  hitcd 
for  him  to  reach  his  paternal  land ;  but  the  tempest  snatching 
him  away  again,  bore  him  mourning  heavily  over  the  fishy 
sea;  and  how  he  came  to  Laistrigonia  to  Telephilus,  who®  de¬ 
stroyed  his  ships,  and  his  well-greaved  companions  [all ;  but 
Ulysses  alone  escaped  in  a  black  ship]  and  he  related  the 
deceit  and  the  various  contrivance  of  Circe  ;  and  how  he  came 
into  the  spacious  dwelling  of  Bluto,  in  a  many-benched  ship, 
to  consult  the  soul  of  Theban  Tiresias,  and  saw  all  his  com¬ 
panions,  and  his  mother,  who  brought  him  forth  and  nourished 
him,  being  little :  and  how  he  heard  the  voice  of  the  assem¬ 
bled  Sirens ;  and  how  he  came  to  the  wandering  rocks,  and  to 
terrible  Charybdis  and  Scylla,  which  men  had  never  escaped 
unharmed :  and  how  his  companions  slew  the  beeves  of  the 
Sun,  and  how  high-thundering  Jove  struck  the  swift  ship  with 
smouldering  thunder :  and  all  his  excellent  companions  perished 
together,  but  he  himself  escaped  from  the  evil  Fates  :  and  how 

®  According  to  Eustathius,  the  grammarians,  Aristachus  and  Aris¬ 
tophanes,  terminated  the  Odyssey  at  this  line,  considering  the  suhso' 
quent  portion  as  spurious.  But  see  Clarke. 

^  The  Cyclops.  ®  ot,  scilicet,  oi  AaiaTpvyovtQ. 

®  A  doubtful  verse. 


333—372.] 


ODYSSEY.  XXIII. 


319 


he  came  to  the  island  Ogygia,  and  the  nymph  Calypso,  who 
indeed  detained  him,  desiring  him  to  be  her  husband,  In  her 
liollow  grot,  and  nourished  him,  and  said  that  she  would  make 
him  immortal  and  free  from  old  age  all  his  days :  but  she  did 
not  by  any  means  persuade  his  mind  in  his  breast :  and  how 
he  came  to  the  Phaeacians,  having  toiled  much,  who  honored 
him  in  their  heart  as  a  god,  and  escorted  him  with  a  ship  to 
his  dear  paternal  land,  giving  him  brass  and  gold  in  abund¬ 
ance,  and  garments.  This  was  the  last  word  he  said,  when 
sweet  sleep  loosing  his  limbs  rushed  upon  him,  relaxing  the 
cares  of  his  mind.  But  the  blue-eyed  goddess  Minerva  again 
thought  of  other  things  :  when  she  now  expected  that  Ulysses 
was  satiated  in  his  mind  with  the  bed  of  his  wife  and  with 
sleep,  she  immediately  excited  the  golden-throned  mother  of 
dawn  from  the  ocean,  that  she  might  give  light  to  mortals : 
but  Ulysses  arose  from  his  soft  bed,  and  enjoined  a  command 
to  his  wife  : 

“  O  wife,  we  are  now  both  of  us  satiated  with  many  la- 
bars;  thou  indeed  weeping  for  my  toil-fraught  return:  but 
Jove  and  the  other  gods  bound  me  anxious  from  my  paternal 
land.  But  now,  since  both  of  us  have  reached  our  much- 
wished-for  bed,  take  care  of  the  possessions  which  I  have  in 
the  palace:  but  as  to  the  sheep,  which  the  overbearing  suitors 
iiave  consumed,  I  myself  will  seize  many  as  booty,  and  the 
Greeks  shall  give  others,  until  they  fill  all  my  stalls.  But  I 
indeed  am  going  to  the  well-wooded  farm,  to  see  my  excellent 
sire,  who  is  continually  grieved  for  me.  But  to  thee,  O  wife, 
I  enjoin  these  things,  although  thou  art  prudent :  for  forth¬ 
with  with  the  rising  sun  a  rumor  will  go  [abroad]  concerning 
the  suitors  whom  I  have  slain  in  the  palace.  Going  to  the 
upper  room,  with  your  women  attendants,  sit  down,  nor  look 
out  or  inquire  of  any  one.” 

He  spoke,  and  around  his  shoulders  he  girt  his  beautiful 
arms ;  and  he  roused  Telernachus  and  the  herdsman  and 
swine-herd,  and  desired  all  to  take  their  warlike  weapons  in 
their  hands.  And  they  did  not  disobey  him:  but  they  were 
armed  with  brass,  and  they  opened  the  doors  and  went  out : 
but  Ulysses  led  the  way.  Now  indeed  light  was  upon  the 
earth ;  but  Minerva  concealing  them  in  night,  led  them 
quickly  out  of  the  city. 


320 


ODYSSEY.  XXIV. 


Cl— 22. 


BOOK  X  X  I  V.^ 


ARGUMENT. 

Mercury  escorts  the  souls  of  tlic  slaiu  suitors  down  to  Hades.  Ulyssee 
discovers  himself  to  his  father  Laertes.  By  the  aid  of  Minerva  they 
quell  an  insurrection  of  the  people,  who  attempt  to  revenge  tlic 
slaughter  of  the  suitors.  Eupeithes,  their  leader,  is  slain  by  Ulysses. 

But  Cylleiiian  Mercury  culled  out  the  souls  of  the  suitors ; 
and  he  held  in  his  hands  a  beautiful  golden  rod,  with  which 
he  soothes  the  eyes  of  men  whom  he  wishes,  and  upraises 
them  again  when  sleeping.  With  this  indeed  he  drove  them, 
moving  them  on ;  and  they  gibbering-  followed.  And  as 
when  bats  in  the  recess  of  a  divine  cave  flit  about  gibbering, 
when  one  falls  from  the  link^  off  the  rock,  and  they  cling  to 
one  another :  so  they  went  together  gibbering,  and  harmless 
Mercury  led  them  down  the  murky  ^  ways.  And  they  came 
near  the  streams  of  the  ocean  and  the  Leucadian  rock,  and 
they  went  near  the  gates  of  the  Sun,  and  the  people  of 
dreams :  and  they  quickly  came  to  the  meadow  of  Asphodel, 
where  dwell  the  souls,  the  images  of  the  dead.  And  they 
found  the  soul  of  Achilles,  son  of  Beleus,  and  of  l^atroclus, 
and  of  blameless  Antilochus,  and  of  Ajax,  Avho  was  tlic  most 
excellent  in  form  and  person  of  the  other  Greeks,  after  tlu; 
blameless  son  of  Peleus.  Thus  they  were'  assembled  round 
him :  but  the  soul  of  Agamemnon,  son  of  Atreus,  came  near 
sorrowing;  and  the  others  Avere  assembled  around  him,  as 
many  as  had  died  Avith  him  in  the  house  of  A£gisthus,  and 
had  draAvn  on  their  fate. 

^  The  objections  raised  against  the  authenticity  of  this  portion  of  the 
Odyssey,  are  carefully  detailed  in  the  notes  of  Clarke  and  Loewe. 

^  I  am  indebted  to  the  Old  Translator  for  this  word.  Eustathius  well 
observes :  iarkov  Se  ort  fivOiKuxj  raXg  \pvx(ii^  tireXtxO)]  Tpiafiuc,  out  Xoyov 
fuv  kvcipOpov  L(TT£pi]psvaiQ,  dXXuQ  St  9opvl3ovaai£.  A  low.  Availing,  in¬ 
articulate  sound  must  be  understood. 

^  i.  e.  the  string  of  bats,  AA’hich  they  form  by  clinging  to  one  another, 
Tov  ruiv  vvKTtpwuiv  dQpo'uTparog.  Ilesych.  s.  a".  oppaOov. 

*  “Situ  obsita.”  Sec  Gataker  on  Anton,  iv*.  G.  So  Hesiod.  Op.  152, 
ftrjcav  6’  (upwtvra  doptov  Kpvtpov  diSao.  Cf.  Alberti  on  Hesych.  t.  i.  p. 
1528. 


23—58.] 


ODYSSEY.  XXIV. 


321 


And  him  the  soul  of  the  son  of  Peleus  addressed  first :  “  O 
Atrides,  we  thought  that  thou  wast  all  thy  days  beloved  above 
heroes  by  thunder-rejoicing  Jove,  because  thou  didst  rule 
over  many  and  illustrious  men,  in  the  people  of  the  Trojans, 
where  we  Grecians  suffered  griefs.  But  of  a  surety  perni¬ 
cious  fate  was  destined  to  come  upon  thee  first  of  all,  [fate] 
which  no  one  avoids,  whoever  is  born.  Now  oughtest  thou, 
enjoying  the  honor,  over  which  thou  didst  rule,  to  have  drawn 
on  death  and  fate  among  the  people  of  the  Trojans :  then 
would  all  the  Grecians  have  made  a  tomb  for  thee,  and  thou 
wouldst  have  obtained  great  glory  for  thy  son  hereafter ;  but 
now  it  was  destined  for  thee  to  bo  overcome  by  a  most  miser¬ 
able  death.” 

And  him  the  soul  of  the  son  of  Atreus  addressed  in  turn : 
“  Happy  son  of  Peleus,  O  Achilles,  like  unto  the  gods  !  thou 
who  didst  fall  at  Troy,  far  from  Argos :  and  around  thee  the 
other  most  excellent  sons  of  the  Trojans  and  Grecians  were 
slain,  fighting  for  thee  :  and  thou  didst  lay  mighty,  and  might¬ 
ily  extended  in  a  whirlwind  of  dust,  forgetful  of  horsemanship. 
But  we  fought  during  the  whole  day:  nor  should  we  at  all 
have  ceased  from  war,  if  Jove  had  not  made  us  stop  with  a 
whirlwind.  And  when  we  had  brought  thee  off  from  the  war 
to  the  ships,  we  laid  thee  on  a  couch,  cleansing  thy  beautiful 
body  with  lukewarm  water  and  ointment:  and  around  thee 
the  Grecians  shed  many  warm  tears,  and  cut  their  hair. 
And  thy  mother,  hearing  the  news,  came  from  the  sea  with 
the  immortal  Sea-nymphs  and  a  divine  clamor  arose  over 
the  sea :  and  a  trembling  seized  upon  all  the  Grecians :  and 
now  rushing  forth  they  would  have  gone  to  the  hollow  ships, 
had  not  a  man  detained  them,  who  knew  both  ancient  and 
many  things,  Nestor,  whose  counsel  before  also  appeared  the 
best :  who  thinking  well,  harangued  and  addressed  them  : 
‘Stop,  O  Argives,  fly  not,  ye  youths  of  the  Grecians;  this 
his  mother  comes  from  the  sea  with  the  immortal  Nymphs  of 
the  sea,  to  meet  her  dead  son.’®  Thus  he  spoke;  and  the 
magnanimous  Grecians  were  restrained  in  their  fear.  And 
around  thee  stood  the  daughters  of  the  old  man  of  the  sea, 

^  For  this  interpretation  I  have  the  authority  of  the  Scholiast,  on  II, 
2.  8G.  (•!*.  Ilesych.  aXiyaiv,  OaXaTTiaig. 

®  Compare  the  similar  scene  at  the  end  of  the  Rhesus,  where  the 
Muse  aj)pears  with  the  body  of  her  son  Rhesus. 

O  2 


322 


ODYSSEY.  XXIV. 


[59—08. 


lamenting  miserably,  and  around  thee  they  put  immortal  gar¬ 
ments.  And  all  the  nine  jMuses,  responding  with  a  beautiful 
voice,  lamented :  there  thou  wouldst  have  perceived  not  one 
of  the  Grecians  tearless;  for  so  did  the  tuneful  Muse  excite 
them.  There  we  mourned  thee  seventeen  nights  and  days 
ociually,  both  immortal  gods  and  mortal  men ;  but  on  the 
eighteenth  day  we  committed  thee  to  the  fire,  and  around  thee 
slew  many  very  fat  sheep  and  curved-horned  oxen.  And  thou 
wast  burned  in  the  clothing  of  the  gods,  and  in  much  oint¬ 
ment,  and  in  sweet  honey ;  and  many  Grecian  heroes  clashed 
with  their  arms  around  the  pile  of  you  burning,  both  infantry 
and  cavalry:  and  much  clamor  arose.  But  when  the  flame 
of  Vulcan  had  at  length  consumed  thee,  in  the  morning  we 
collected  thy  white  bones,  O  Achilles,  in  pure  Avinc  and  oint¬ 
ment  :  and  thy  mother  gave  us  a  golden  vessel :  and  she 
said  it  was  the  gift  of  Bacchus,  and  the  Avork  of  illustrious 
Vulcan.  In  this  Avere  laid  thy  Avhitc  bones,  O  illustrious 
Achilles,  and  those  of  dead  Batroclus,  son  of  Menoetius,  mixed 
together;  but  separately  those  of  Antilochus  :  Avhom  Ave  hon¬ 
ored  chief  of  all  thy  other  companions,  at  least  after  dead  Pa- 
troclus.  And  then  we,  the  sacred  army  of  the  Avarrior  Gre¬ 
cians,  heaped  up  a  large  and  noble  tomb  around  them,  on  a 
projecting  shore,  in  the  Avide  Hellespont  so  that  it  might 
be  seen  far  otf  from  the  sea  by  those  men,  Avho  are  noAV  born, 
and  who  shall  be  hereafter.  But  thy  mother,  having  entreat¬ 
ed  the  gods,  proposed  very  beautiful  contests  in  the  middle 
of  a  ring  to  the  chieftains  of  the  Grecians.  Already  hast 
thou  met  Avith  the  burial  of  many  heroes,  Avhen,  a  king  liaving 
perished,  young  men  are  girded  and  prepared  for  the  contests; 
but  on  beholding  those,  thou  AA'ouldst  have  most  marveled  in 
thy  mind,  Avhat  very  beautiful  contests  the  goddess,  silver¬ 
footed  Thetis,  made  for  tliee ;  for  thou  Avast  A’ery  dear  to  the 
gods.  So  thou  hast  not  even  Avhen  dead  lost  tliy  name,  but 
for  thee  there  Avill  eA'er  be  excellent  fame,  O  Achilles,  among 
all  men  ;  but  Avhat  pleasure  A\'as  this  for  me,  Avhen  I  had 
brought  the  Avar  to  a  close?  For  on  my  return  Jove  devised 
miserable  destruction  for  me  under  the  hands  of  YF^isthus  and 
my  pernicious  Avife.” 

Thus  tiiey  spoke  such  things  to  one  another.  But  the 


’  viz.  on  the  promontory  of  Sigeum.  See  Cicero  pro  Archia. 


99— 139.  J 


ODYSSEY.  XXIV. 


323 


messenger,  the  shiyer  of  Argus,  came  near  tliem,  bringing  the 
souls  of  the  suitors  who  were  overcome  by  Ulysses.  J3ut 
they,  astonished,  went  straight  [to  meet  them],  when  they 
beheld  them.  And  the  soul  of  Agamemnon,  son  of  Atreus, 
knew  the  son  of  Melaneus,  illustrious  Amphimedon  :  for  he 
had  been  his  host,  inhabiting  a  house  in  Ithaca. 

And  him  the  soul  of  the  son  of  Atreus  firs't  addressed:  “O 
Amphimedon,  to  wliat  suffering  have  ye  come  beneath  the 
gloomy  earth,  all  picked  men,  and  of  equal  age?  neither  in 
any  other  way  would  [any  one]  choosing  through  a  city  select 
the  best  men.  Whetlier  has  Neptune  subdued  you  in  ships, 
having  stirred  up  dillicult  winds  and  long  billows?  or  have 
hostile  men  by  chance  destroyed  you  on  the  continent  while 
cutting  off*  their  bulls,  and  the  beautiful  Hocks  of  sheep  ?  or 
fighting  about  a  city  and  women  ?  Tell  me,  inquiring,  for  I 
boast  myself  to  be  thy  guest.  ,Dost  thou  not  remember  when 
I  came  there  to  thine  house,  inciting  Ulysses,  with  godlike 
Menelaus,  to  attend  us  to  Troy,  in  the  well-benched  ships? 
But  we  passed  over  all  the  wide  sea  in  a  whole^  month, 
scarcely  persuading  city-destroying  Ulysses.” 

But  him  the  soul  of  Amphimedon  addressed  in  turn  :  “[O 
most  glorious  son  of  Atreus,  Agamemnon,  king  of  men,]  I  re¬ 
member  all  these  things,  and  will  relate  well  and  accurately 
the  evil  end  of  our  death,  what  an  one  befell  us.  AVe  wooed 
the  wife  of  long-absent  Ulysses:  and  she  did  not  refuse  the 
hated  marriage,  nor  did  she  bring  it  to  a  conclusion,  devising 
deatli  and  black  Fate  for  us.  But  she  planned  this  other 
stratagem  in  her  mind ;  having  begun  a  mighty  web,  she 
wove  it  in  the  palace,  slender  and  round  ;  and  she  forthwitli 
addressed  us:  ‘  YAuths,  my  suitors,  since  divine  Ulysses  is 
dead,  cease  urging  my  marriage  until  1  finish  the  robe  (lest 
my  threads  should  perish  in  vain),  a  funeral  garment  for  the 
hero  Laertes,  for  the  time  when  the  pernicious  fate  of  long- 
sleeping  death  shall  seize  hold  of  him  :  lest  any  one  of  the 
Grecian  women  among  the  people  should  be  indignant  at  me, 
if  he  lies  without  a  shroud,  having  possessed  many  things.’ 
Thus  she  spoke  ;  and  our  noble  mind  was  persuaded.  Then 
during  the  day  she  wove  the  large  web,  but  at  night  she  un¬ 
raveled  it,  when  she  placed  the  torches  near  her.  Thus  for 

*  In  English  we  should  say,  “we  were  a  whole  moutli  passing  over 
the  sea.” 


324 


ODYSSEY.  XXIV. 


[140—182. 


three  years  she  escaped  notice  by  deceit,  and  persuaded  the 
Grecians.  But  when  the  fourth  year  came,  and  the  hours 
advanced,  [the  months  waning,  and  many  days  were  com¬ 
pleted,]  then  indeed  some  one  of  the  women,  who  knew  it 
well,  told  us,  and  we  found  her  unraveling  the  splendid  web. 
Thus  she  finished  it,  although  not  willing,  by  necessity. 
When  she  showed  the  robe — having  wove  the  mighty  web, 
washing  it,  like  unto  the  sun  or  the  moon — then  an  evil  deity 
brought  Ulysses  from  somewhere  or  other  to  the  extremity 
of  the  country,  where  the  swine-herd  inhabited  a  dwelling. 
There  came  the  beloved  son  of  divine  Ulysses,  arriving  with  a 
black  ship  from  sandy  Bylos.  And  they,  having  contrived 
evil  death  for  the  suitors,  came  to  the  illustrious  city;  Ulys¬ 
ses  indeed  last,  but  Telemachus  first  led  the  way.  And  the 
swine-herd  brought  him,  having  evil  garments  on  his  body, 
like  unto  a  wretched  beggar  and  an  old  man,  [leaning  upon  a 
staff:  but  evil  garments  were  put  round  his  body].  Nor  was 
any  one  of  us  able  to  know  him  being  [present],  having  ap¬ 
peared  on  a  sudden,  not  even  those  [of  us]  who  were  the 
oldest :  but  we  chided  him  with  evil  words  and  with  blows. 
And  he  then  being  beaten  and  chided  in  his  own  palace  en¬ 
dured  it  with  a  patient  mind  ;  but  when  the  counsel  of  Aiigis- 
bearing  Jove  aroused  him,  with  Telennichus  taking  the  very 
beautiful  arms,  he  placed  them  in  a  chamber,  and  fastened  the 
bolts  ;  and  he  through  his  great  cunning  ordered  his  wife  to 
place  the  bow  and  hoary  steel  for  the  suitors,  as  a  subject  of 
contest  for  us,  ill-fated,  and  a  beginning  of  death.  Nor  was 
any  one  of  us  able  to  stretch  the  string  of  the  sturdy  bow, 
but  we  were  very  deficient  [in  strength].  But  when  the 
mighty  bow  came  to  the  hands  of  Ulysses,  then  we  all  rebuked 
him  with  words,  that  he  should  not  give  him  the  bow,  although 
he  spoke  very  many  things :  but  Telemachus  alone  urging 
commanded  him.  And  much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  received 
it  in  1)TS  hand,  and  he  easily  bent  the  bow,  and  sent  [the  shaft] 
through  the  steel.  And  he  stood  going  up  on  the  threshold, 
and  lie  poured  out  the  swift  arrows,  looking  about  terribly: 
and  he  smote  king  Antinous.  And  then  he  sent  forth  his 
grievous  shafts  against  others,  taking  aim  opposite  :  and  they 
fell  near  one  another.  But  it  was  evident  that  some  one 
of  the  gods  was  an  ally  to  him.  For  immediately  following 
upon  us  with  their  might  through  the  dwelling,  they  slew  us 


183—219.] 


ODYSSEY.  XXIV. 


325 


upon  all  sides :  and  an  unseemly  groaning  arose  from  them,^ 
their  heads  being  stricken,  and  the  whole  pavement  bubbled 
with  blood.  Thus  did  we  perish,  O  Agamemnon,  whose  bodies 
even  now  lie  without  funeral  rites  in  the  palace  of  Ulysses:  for 
our  friends  do  not  yet  know  in  the  dwellings  of  each,  who, 
liaving  washed  the  black  gore  from  our  wounds,  laying  us 
down  would  mourn  for  us :  for  this  is  the  honor  of  the  dead.” 

And  hiiii  the  soul  of  the  son  of  Atreus  addressed  in  turn  : 
“  O  happy  son  of  Laertes,  much-contriving  Ulysses,  surely 
didst  thou  gain  thy  wife  with  great  valor.  Plow  excellent 
was  the  mind  of  blameless  Penelope,  daughter  of  Icarus,  how 
mindful  of  Ulysses,  her  virgin  husband :  unto  whom  the  glo¬ 
ry  of  his  virtue  shall  never  perish ;  but  the  immortals  will 
make  for  those  on  earth  a  beautiful  song  for  prudent  Penelo¬ 
pe.  Not  so  did  the  daughter  of  Tyndarus  contrive  evil  deeds, 
slaying  her  virgin  husband :  but  [for  her]  there  will  be  a 
hateful  song  among  men ;  and  she  has  given  an  evil  fame  to 
women,  even  though  one  be  a  worker  of  good.”  Thus  they 
spoke  such  things  to  one  another,  standing  in  the  houses  of 
Pluto,  under  the  hiding-places  of  the  earth. 

Put  they,  when  they  went  from  the  city,  soon  reached  the 
beautiful-constructed  farm  of  Laertes,  which  Laertes  had  him¬ 
self  acquired,  since  he  had  toiled  very  much  :  there  was  his 
house,  and  a  shed**^  ran  round  it  on  all  sides,  in  which  his 
necessary  servants  fed,  and  sat,  and  took  rest,  who  worked 
.  what  was  agreeable  to  him.^^  And  in  it  there  was  a  Sicilian 
old  woman,  who  diligently  took  care  of  the  old  man  at  the 
farm,  away  from  the  city.  Then  Ulysses  spoke  words  to  his 
servants  and  his  son  : 

“  Do  you  now  go  within  the  well-built  house  ;  and  quickly 
sacrifice  a  meal  of  swine,  whichever  is  the  best.  Put  I  will 
try  my  father,  whether  he  will  know  me,  and  perceive  me 
with  his  eyes,  or  whether  he  will  not  recognize  me,  having 
been  away  for  a  long  time.” 

Th  us  having  spoken,  he  gave  his  warlike  arms  to  his  serv¬ 
ants.  They  then  quickly  came  to  the  house ;  but  Ulysses 

®  The  suitors. 

Ernesti  observes  that  the  house  of  Laertes  stood  in  the  middle,  be¬ 
ing  surrounded  by  the  slighter  dwellings  of  the  slaves,  forming  a  con¬ 
tinuous  shed.  See  Loewe, 

“  These  words  are  an  epexegesis  to  dpayKoloL.  But  the  Schol.  Ambr. 
intei'prets  dvayKaloi  to  mean  “taken  in  war,  captured  by  force.” 


326 


ODYSSEY.  :S\IY. 


r?26— 2G1. 


went  nenr  the  fruilful  vineyard  to  ti-y  [liii  lather] :  nor  did 
lie  find  Dolius,  on  going  clown  to  the  great  orchard,  nor  any 
of  his  servants  or  sons :  but  they  indeed  had  gone  to  gather 
heaps  of  stones  to  be  a  fence  for  the  vineyard  ;  but  the  old 
man  led  the  way  lor  them.  And  he  found  his  father  alone  in 
the  well-made  vineyard,  hoeing  a  plant:  and  he  was  clad  in 
a  sordid  garment,  patched,  unseemly :  and  around  his  thighs 
he  had  bomid  patched  greaves  of  bull’s  hide,  to  avoid  the  tear- 
ings  [of  ilie  thorns]  and  gloves  upon  his  hands  on  account 
of  the  orambles :  but  above  he  had  a  cap  of  goat-skin  on  liis 
heacl,  giving  way  to  his  grief.  When  then  much-enduring  di¬ 
vine  Ulysses  saw  him  wasted  with  old  age,  and  having  great 
gviei  in  his  mind,  standing  under  a  lofty  pear-tree,  he  shed  a 
tear.  Then  he  meditated  in  his  soul  and  in  his  mind,  whether 
to  kiss  and  embrace  his  father,  and  tell  [him]  every  thing,  hoiv 
he  came  to^and  reached  his  paternal  land;  or,  whether  he 
idiould  first  inquire  of  him,  and  try  him  in  every  thing.  And 
ihus  it  appeared  to  him  to  be  better  as  he  considered,  first  to 
try  him  with  reproaching  words.  Having  this  intention,  di¬ 
vine  Ulysses  went  straight  opposite  to  him  ;  he  indeed,  hold¬ 
ing  down  his  head,  was  digging  round  a  plant,  but  standing 
m-ar  him  his  illustrious  son  addressed  him  : 

“O  old  man,  want  of  skill  does  not  possess  thee  in  man- 
uging  an  orchard  ;  but  thy  care  keeps  it  well ;  nor  is  there  any 
plant  at  all,  cither  fig-tree,  or  vine,  or  olive,  or  pear,  or  bord¬ 
er  in  the  garden  destitute  of  care.  But  I  tell  thee  something 
else,  but  do  not  thou  lay  up  anger  in  thy  mind  :  good  care  does 
not  keep  thyself,  but  tliou  hast  miserable  old  age  at  the  same 
time,  and  thou  art  evilly  squalid,  and  art  clothed  in  unseemly 
guise.  Thy  master  docs  not  indeed  take  cai’e  of  you  [so  ill] 
on  account  of  thy  idleness,  nor  is  thy  form  or  size  at  all  ser¬ 
vile  to  behold ;  for  thou  art  like  unto  a  king.  Thou  art  like 
one  who  ought,  when  he  has  washed  and  eaten,  to  sleep  softly: 
for  this  is  the  right  of  old  men.  But  come,  tell  me  this,  and 
relate  it  correctly,  w’hosc  servant  art  thou  ?  whose  orchard 
dost  thou  tend  ?  and  relate  this  truly  to  me,  that  1  may  well 
know,  if  indeed  1  am  come  to  Ithaca,  as  this  man  told  me,  who 
just  now  met  me,  as  I  was  coming  hither,  one  not  very  wise: 
since  he  did  not  endure  to  tell  me  every  thing,  or  to  listen  to 

ypaTiTve,  Tag  rwv  aKcivQujdwv  (pvriijv  Karan epi^vatig  koi  apv\ag 
Scliol. 


2()2— 302.J 


ODYSSEY.  XXIV. 


327 


niy  word,  when  I  inquired  of  him  concerning  my  host,  wheth¬ 
er  he  is  alive  and  exists,  or  is  now  dead  and  in  the  house  of 
Pluto.  For  I  tell  thee  plainly,  and  do  thou  attend,  and  listen 
to  me:  1  once  entertained  a  man  in  my  dear  paternal  land, 
having  come  to  my  house,  and  never  yet  has  any  other  mor¬ 
tal  of  foreign  strangers  come  more  welcome  to  my  house.  He 
boasted  his  race  to  be  of  Ithaca,  and  he  said  that  his  father 
was  Laertes,  son  of  Arcesias.  Him  I  entertained  well,  bring¬ 
ing  him  to  my  house,  receiving  him  carefully,  when  many 
were  in  my  house,  and  gave  him  hospitable  presents,  such  as 
are  becoming.  I  gave  him  seven  talents  of  well-wrought 
gold,  and  I  gave  him  a  cup  all  silver,  embossed  with  flowers, 
twelve  single  cloaks  and  as  many  pieces  of  tapestry,  and  as 
many  beautiful  robes,  and  as  many  tunics  added  to  these : 
besides  four  beautiful  Avomen,  skilled  in  blameless  Avoiks, 
Avhom  he  himself  Avished  to  take.”  ^ 

But  him  his  father  then  ansAvered,  shedding  a  tear: 

Stranger,  thou  indeed  art  come  to  the  land,  concerning 
Avhich  thou  inquirest :  but  insolent  and  infatuated  men  possess 
it.  But  thou  hast  conferred  these  thy  gifts  in  vain,  giving 
numberless  [presents]  ;  for  Avould  that  thou  hadst  found  him 
alive  among  the  people  of  Ithaca,  then  Avould  he  have  sent 
thee  aAvay,  having  requited  thee  Avith  presents  and  good  en¬ 
tertainment;  for  it  is  the  right  [of  him],  Avhoevcr  begins. 
But  come,  tell  me  this,  and  relate  it  truly,  hoAv  many  years  is 
it  since  thou  didst  entertain  him  thine  unhappy  guest,  my  son  ? 
if  he  Avas  so;  AATetched  one,  Avhora  somewhere,  far  aAvay  from 
his  friends  and  paternal  land,  either  the  fish  have  eaten  in  the 
sea,  or  he  has  become  a  prey  to  the  beasts  and  birds  on  the 
shore:  nor  did  his  mother  mourn  him,  covering  him  around, 
nor  his  father,  aa'C  avIio  gave  him  birth  :  nor  did  his  Avell- 
doAA'ered  Avife,  prudent  Penelope,  Avail  for  her  dear  husband  in 
her  bed,  as  A\ms  fitting,  Avasting  aAvay  her  eyes :  for  this  is  the 
honor  of  the  dead.  And  tell  mo  this  truly,  that  I  may  knoAv 
it  Avell ;  Avho  art  thou"?  from  Avhence  art  thou  among  men? 
Avhere  are  thy  city  and  thy  parents?  Avhere  is  the  SAvift  ship 
stationed,  Avhich  brought  thee  and  tl  y  godlike  companions 
hither?  or  hast  thou  come  a  passenger  on  another  man's 
ship,  and  haA'O  they  gone,  having  landed  thee  on  shore?” 

But  him  much-planning  Ulysses  ansAvering  addressed : 
“Therefore  Avill  I  tell  thee  these  things  very  accurately.  For 


328 


ODYSSEY.  XXIV. 


[303—341. 


I  am  from  Alybas,  where  I  inhabit  an  illustrious  dwelling, 
the  son  of  Apheidas,  son  of  king  Polypemon,  and  my  name  is 
Eperitus:  but  the  deity  made  me  wander  so  that  I  should 
come  hither  from  Sicania,  against  my  will:  but  my  sliip  is 
stationed  over  against  a  field  at  a  distance  from  the  city. 
But  this  is  now  the  fifth  year  since  Ulysses  went  away  from 
thence,  and  departed  from  my  country,  unhappy  one :  but 
there  were  excellent  birds^^  on  the  right  for  him  as  he  was 
going,  in  which  I  rejoicing  sent  him  away,  and  he  rejoiced  as 
he  went:  and  our  mind  still  hoped  to  be  mixed  in  hospitality, 
and  to  bestow  glorious  gifts.” 

Thus  he  spoke ;  and  a  black  cloud  of  grief  covered  him  : 
and  taking  up  the  dust  of  ashes  in  botli  his  hands,  he  poured 
it  upon  his  lioary  head,  groaning  continually.  But  his  mind 
was  excited,  and  now  vehement  passion  beat  against  his  nos¬ 
trils,  as  he  beheld  his  dear  father.  And  lie  kissed  him,  em¬ 
bracing  him  and  leaping  upon  him,  and  he  addressed  him  : 

“  That  one  himself  indeed  am  I,  O  father,  after  whom  thou 
inquirest,  I  am  come  in  the  twentieth  year  to  my  paternal 
land.  But  refrain  from  weeping  and  tearful  mourning.  For 
I  tell  thee  plainly  (but  it  is  by  all  means  fit  to  hasten) ;  I 
have  slain  the  suitors  in  my  palace,  revenging  their  grievous 
insolence  and  evil  deeds.” 

But  him  Laertes  answered  again,  and  addressed  him :  “  If 
indeed  thou  art  Ulysses,  my  son,  and  hast  come  here,  tell  me 
now  some  evident  sign,  that  I  may  believe  it.” 

But  him  much-counseling  Ulysses  answering  addressed : 
“  First  regard  the  scar  with  thine  eyes,  which  a  boar  inflicted 
on  me  with  its  white  tusk  in  Parnassus,  when  I  went  there  : 
but  thou  didst  send  me  on,  and  my  venerable  mother,  to  Au- 
tolycus,  the  dear  father  of  my  mother,  that  I  might  receive  the 
gifts,  which  he  promised  me  on  coming  here,  and  declared 
that  he  would  give  me.  Come,  I  will  recount  to  thee  the  trees 
also,  through  the  well-made  vineyard,  which  once  thou  gavest 
me,  for  I  asked  each  of  thee,  being  a  child,  following  thee 
through  the  garden:  but  we  came  through  them,  and  thou 
didst  name  them  and  didst  tell  me  each.  Thou  gavest  me 
thirteen  pear-trees,  and  ten  apple-trec3,  and  forty  fig-trees: 
and  thus  thou  saidst  thou  wouldst  give  me  fifty  row’s  of  vines, 


i.  e.  omens. 


342—380.] 


ODYSSEY.  XXIV. 


329 


and  each  was  sown  between  with  corn  :  but  there  are  all  kinds 
of  grapes,  when  the  seasons  of  Jove  come  heavy  upon  them.” 

Thus  he  spoke,  but  his  knees  and  heart  were  loosed,  as  he 
recognized  the  signs,  whicli  Ulysses  told  him  truly.  And, lie 
threw  his  arms  around  his  dear  son  :  and  much-enduring  di¬ 
vine  Ulysses  drew  him  fainting  to  him.  But  when  he  recov¬ 
ered,  and  his  mind  was  raised  to  his  breast,  he  immediately 
answering  addressed  him : 

“  O  father  Jove,  surely  ye  gods’ ^  are  still  in  lofty  Olympus, 
if  indeed  the  suitors  have  paid  for  their  infatuate  insolence. 
But  now  I  very  much  dread  in  my  mind,  lest  all  the  Ithacans 
should  soon  come  here,  and  hasten  messages  on  all  sides  to 
the  cities  of  the  Cephallenians.” 

But  him  much-counseling  Ulysses  ansAvering  addressed : 
“Be  of  good  cheer,  let  not  these  things  be  a  car^  to  thee  in 
thy  mind :  but  let  us  go  to  the  house  Avhich  lies  near  the 
orchard.  For  there  I  sent  forward  Telemachus  and  the  herds¬ 
man  and  swine-herd,  that  they  may  get  ready  supper  as  quick¬ 
ly  as  possible.” 

Thus  having  conversed,  the  two  went  to  tlie  beautiful  house. 
But  when  they  now  reached  the  well-built  dwelling,  they 
found  Telemachus  and  the  herdsman  and  swine-herd  cutting 
up  much  meat,  and  mixing  the  dark  wine.  But  in  the  mean 
time  the  Sicilian  handmaiden  washed  magnanimous  Laertes 
in  his  house,  and  anointed  him  Avith  oil:  and  she  throAv  a 
beautiful  cloak  around  him,  and  Minerva  standing  near  in¬ 
creased  the  limbs  of  the  shepherd  of  the  people,  and  made 
him  mightier  and  stouter  to  behold  than  belbre.  And  he 
went  out  of  the  bath  :  but  his  dear  son  marveled  at  him,  Avheii 
he  saw  him  with  his  eyes,  like  unto  the  immortal  god^j  to  look 
at.  And  addressing  him,  he  spoke  winged  Avords : 

“  O  father,  certainly  some  one  of  the  immortal  gods  has 
made  thee  noble  in  thy  form  and  size  to  behold.” 

The  prudent  Laertes  anSAA^ered  him  in  turn:  “For  Avould 
that  I,  O  father  Jove,  and  ]\Iinerva,  and  Apollo,  such  as  Avhcn 
I  took  Nericus  a  Avcll-built  citadel,  a  toAvn  of  the  continent, 
ruling  OA'er  the  Cephallenians,  being  such  an  one  yesterday 
in  our  palace,  having  arms  upon  my  shoulders,  I  had  stood 
against  and  Avarded  off  the  suitors  :  then  would  I  have  loosed 

See  Dnport,  Gnom.  Horn.  p.  288,  sq. 


330  ODYSSEY.  XXIV.  [381—418. 

the  knees  of  many  of  them  in  the  palace,  and  thou  shouldst 
liave  rejoiced  in  thy  mind  within  thee.’’ 

Thus  they  spoke  to  one  another.  Dnt  they,  when  they  had 
ceased  from  their  labor,  and  prepared  the  feast,  sat  down  in 
order  on  benches  and  thrones  :  then  they  laid  their  hands  on 
the  meal:  and  the  old  man  Dolius  came  near  them,  and  with 
him  the  sons  of  the  old  man,  laboring  from  their  toils,  for 
the  mother,  the  Sicilian  old  woman,  who  nourished  them,  went 
and  called  them  :  and  she  diligently  took  care  of  the  old  man, 
since  old  age  had  seized  upon  him.  But  they,  when  they  be¬ 
held  Ulysses,  and  considered  him  in  their  mind,  stood  aston¬ 
ished  in  the  palace ;  but  Ulysses  reproving  them  with  gentle 
words,  addressed  them : 

‘‘  O  old  man,  sit  down  to  the  meal,  and  do  ye  forget  aston¬ 
ishment  :  for  w'e  remain  in  the  palace  for  a  long  time,  eager 
to  lay  our  hands  upon  the  viands,  still  expecting  you.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  and  Dolius  went  straight  to  him,  stretch-^ 
ing  out  both  his  hands ;  and  taking  the  hand  of  Ulysses,  he 
.  kissed  it  at  the  wrist,  and  addressing  him  S})oke  winged  words  : 

“O  dear  one;  since  thou  hast  returned  to  us  wishing  [for 
thee],  but  not  expecting  thee,  but  the  gods  have  brought  thee, 
hail !  and  rejoice  greatly,  and  may  the  gods  give  thee  prosper¬ 
ity.  And  tell  me  this  truly,  that  I  may  know  it  well,  wheth¬ 
er  does  prudent  Penelope  already  know  that  thou  hast  re¬ 
turned  hither,  or  shall  we  urge  on  a  messenger  V 

And  him  much-counseling  Ulysses  answering  addressed : 
“  Old  man,  she  already  knows  it,  what  need  is  there  for  thee 
to  care  about  these  matters 

Tlius  he  spoke;  and  he  again  sat  down  upon  the  well-pol¬ 
ished  seat.  In  like  manner  the  sons  of  Dolius  saluted  illus¬ 
trious  Ulysses  with  words,  and  took  hold  of  his  hands  ;  and 
they  sat  down  in  order  near  Dolius  their  father.  Thus  then 
they  prepared  a  meal  in  the  palace. 

Now  a  report  swiftly  went  as  a  messenger  every  Avhere 
through  the  city,  telling  of  the  hateful  death  and  Fate  of  the 
suitors.  But  they,  as  soon  as  they  heard  it,  Avent  one  one 
Avay,  one  another,  Avith  murmuring  and  groaning  before  the 
house  of  Ulysses  :  and  they  carried  the  dead  bodies  out  of  the 
house,  and  each  buried  them.  But  those  from  other  cities 
they  sent  to  fishermen  to  take  each  [to  his  OAvn]  home,  plac¬ 
ing  them  in  their  SAvift  ships:, and  they  Avent  together  to  the 


419—459.] 


ODYSSEY.  XXIV. 


331 


forum,  sorrowing  in  their  heart.  But  when  they  were  assem¬ 
bled,  and  were  collected  together,  Eupithes  rose  up,  and  ad¬ 
dressed  them,  for  not-to-be-forgotten  grief  lay  upon  his  mind 
for  his  son,  Antinous,  whom  divine  Ulysses  slew  first :  for 
whom  he  pouring  forth  tears,  harangued  and  addressed  them  : 

“  O  friends,  indeed  this  man  has  done  a  heinous  deed 
against  the  Grecians ;  some  indeed  taking  in  his  ships,  many 
and  brave  men,  he  has  lost  his  hollow  ships,  and  destroyed 
all'^  the  people  ;  but  others  he  has  slain  on  his  return,  far  the 
best  of  the  Cephallenians.  But  come,  before  this  man  either 
quickly  reaches  Bylos,  or  divine  Elis,  where  the  Epeians  rule, 
let  us  go;  or  hereafter  we  shall  always  be  ashamed.  For 
these  things  indeed  are  a  disgrace  even  for  posterity  to  hear. 
But  if  we  shall  not  be  revenged  on  the  murderers  of  our  sons 
and  brothers,  it  would  not  be  pleasant  for  me  in  my  mind  to 
live :  but  dying  as  soon  as  possible,  might  I  be  among  the  de¬ 
ceased.  But  let  us  go,  lest  they  anticipate  us,  passing  over.” 

Thus  he  spoke,  shedding  tears,  and  pity  seized  all  the 
Grecians.  But  Medon  and  the  divine  bard  came  near  them 
fi’om  the  palace  of  Ulysses,  when  sleep  had  left  them.  And 
they  stood  in  the  middle  ;  and  astonishment  seized  each  man. 
And  Medon,  knowing  prudent  things,  addressed  them : 

“  Hear  me  now,  Ithacans ;  for  Ulysses  did  not  devise  these 
deeds  without  the  will  of  the  gods  ;  I  myself  saw  an  immor¬ 
tal  god,  who  stood  near  Ulysses,  and  he  was  in  every  thing 
like  unto  Mentor.  But  the  immortal  god  at  one  time  appear¬ 
ed  before  Ulysses,  encouraging  him,  and  at  another  inciting 
the  suitors,  made  them  rush  in  flight  through  the  palace  ;  and 
they  fell  near  to  one  another.” 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  and  pale  fear  seized  upon  all  of  them.  And 
the  old  hero  Alitherses,  son  of  IMastor,  addressed  them ;  for 
he  alone  saw  what  was  past  and  what  was  to  come ;  he,  think¬ 
ing  well,  harangued  and  addressed  them  : 

“  Listen  now,  Ithacans,  to  what  I  am  going  to  say.  The.sc 
deeds,  my  friends,  were  done  by  your  own  wickedness  :  lor 
ye  did  not  obey  me  nor  Mentor,  the  shepherd  of  the  people,  so 
as  to  make  your  sons  cease  from  their  foolish  deeds  ;  who  have 
done  a  heinous  deed  through  their  evil  infatuation,  wasting 
the  property  and  insulting  the  wife  of  an  excellent  man,  who 


Observ'e  the  tenesis  for  d-rrdjXiae. 


332 


ODYSSEY.  XXIV. 


[459—499. 


they  thought  would  no  more  return.  And  now  may  it  hap¬ 
pen  thus  :  obey  me,  according  as  I  advise  ;  let  us  not  go,  lest 
by  chance  some  one  should  meet  with  an  evil  drawn  upo’^^. 
himself.*’ 

Thus  he  spoke  ;  but  they  rushed  out  witli  a  great  shout, 
more  than  half  of  them  ;  but  the  rest  remained  there  together. 
For  what  he  said  did  not  please  them  in  their  mind,  but  they 
obeyed  Eupithes  ;  and  quickly  then  they  rushed  to  arms.  But 
when  they  had  put  the  shining  brass  around  their  bodies,  they 
were  assembled  together  before  the  Avide-wayed  city.  But 
Eupithes  led  them  in  their  folly :  and  he  said  that  he  would 
revenge  the  murder  of  his  son  ;  nor  was  he  destined  to  return 
back,  but  to  draw  on  his  fate  there.  But  Minerva  addressed 
Jupiter,  the  son  of  Saturn  : 

“  O  father  mine,  thou  son  of  Saturn,  highest  of  kings,  tell 
me,  asking,  what  does  thy  mind  now  conceal  within  it?  wheth¬ 
er  Avilt  thou  first  cause  evil  Avar  and  terrible  strife  ?  or  hast 
thou  made  friendship  on  both  sides?” 

But  her  cloud-compelling  Jove  ansAvering  addressed  :  “My 
child,  Avhy  dost  thou  ask  and  inquire  of  me  these  things  ? 
For  hast  not  thou  thyself  devised  this  plan,  that  Ulysses  haA*- 
ing  returned  should  be  revenged  upon  them?  Do  as  thou, 
wilt:  but  I  tell  thee  how  it  is  fitting.  Since  divine  Ulysses 
has  been  revenged  on  the  suitors,  making  faithful  oaths,  letj 
him  ahvays  reign,  but  let  us  make  oblivion  of  the  deaths  of ! 
their  sons  and  brothers ;  and  let  them  love  one  another  as) 
before ;  and  let  there  be  Avealth  and  peace  in  abundance.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  incited  Minciwa,  Avho  Avas  before] 
eager,  and  she  Avent  rushing  down  from  the  tops  of  Olympus.j 
But  Avhen  they  had  taken  aAvay  the  desire  of  SAveet  food,  much- 
enduring  divine  Ulysses  began  speaking  to  them  :  “  Let  some] 
one,  going  out,  see  Avhether  they  are  coming  near.” 

Tims  he  spoke ;  but  a  son  of  Dolius  Avent  out,  as  he  de¬ 
sired  ;  and  going  he  stood  on  the  threshold,  and  he  saw  all! 
of  them  near  at  hand  :  and  immediately  he  addressed  to  Ulys-] 
ses  Avinged  Avords  : 

“  They  are  now  near,  but  let  us  arm  ourseh^es  quickly.”i 
Thus  he  spoke  ;  but  they  rose  up,  and  Averc  clad  in  their  arms,l 
the  four  Avith  Ulysses,  and  the  six  sons  of  Dolius  ;  and  AvithJ 
them  Laertes  and  Dolius  put  on  their  arms,  although  they! 
Avere  hoary,  Avari  iors  through  necessity.  But  Avhen  they  hacU 


499— 537.  J 


ODYSSEY.  XXIV. 


333 


put  the  shining  brass  around  their  bodies,  they  opened  the 
gates,  and  went  out,  but  Ulysses  led  the  way.  And  Minerva, 
the  daughter  of  Jove,  came  near  them,  likened  unto  Mentor 
both  in  person  and  voice.  Much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  re¬ 
joiced  on  seeing  lier,  and  he  immediately  addressed  his  dear 
son  Telemachus :  j 

“Telemachus,  thou  wilt  now  know  this  thyself,  coming  on 
(when  men  are  fighting,  where  the  best  are  judged  to  be),  not 
to  disgrace  the  race  of  your  fathers,  we,  who  before  excelled 
over  all  the  earth  in  valor  and  manliness.” 

But  him  prudent  Telemachus  answered  in  turn  :  “  Thou 
shalt  see  if  thou  desirest,  my  dear  father,  in  my  mind,  that  I 
dishonor  not  the  race,  as  thou  sayest.” 

Thus  he  spoke;  but  Laertes  rejoiced,  and  spoke  thus: 
“What  day  now  is  this,  my  dear  friends'?  Very  much  do  I 
rejoice ;  -my  son  and  my  grandson  are  having  a  contention 
about  excellence.” 

But  blue-eyed  Minerva  standing  near  addressed  him :  “  O 
son  of  Arcesias,  far  dearest  of  all  my  companions,  praying  to 
the  blue-eyed  damsel,  and  father  Jove,  very  quickly  brandish, 
and  send  forth  a  long-shadowing  spear.” 

Tlius  she  spoke ;  and  Balias  Minerva  breathed  into  him 
great  strength  ;  then  praying  to  the  daughter  of  mighty  Jove, 
he  very  quickly  brandished  and  sent  forth  a  long-shadowing 
spear,  and  struck  Eupithes  through  the  brazen-cheeked  helm ; 
but  it  did  not  keep  off  the  spear,  but  the  brass  passed  entire¬ 
ly  through.  And  he  resounded  as  he  fell,  and  his  arms 
clashed  upon  him.  And  Ulysses  and  his  glorious  son  fell 
upon  the  first-fighters ;  and  they  beat  them  with  swords  and 
double-edged  spears.  And  now  they  would  have  destroyed 
all,  and  deprived  them  of  their  return,  had  not  Minerva,  tho 
daughter  of  AEgis-bearing  Jove,  cried  out  with  her  loud  voice 
and  restrained  all  the  people  :  “  Eefrain  from  difficult  war,  () 
Itliacans,  that  without  bloodshed  ye  may  be  separated  as  soon 
as  possible.” 

Thus  spoke  Minerva ;  and  pale  fear  seized  them ;  and  the 
weapons  flew  from  the  hands  of  the  frightened,  and  all  fell  on 
the  earth,  when  the  goddess  had  uttered  a  sound ;  and  they 
were  turned  toward  the  city,  anxious  for  their  lives.  But 
much-enduring  divine  Ulysses  shouted  out  terribly,  and  he 
rushed  on,  gathering  himself  up  like  a  lofty- flying  eagle. 


334 


ODYSSEY.  XXIV, 


[538—547. 


And  then  at  length  the  son  of  Saturn  sent  forth  a  smoulder¬ 
ing  thunder-bolt,  and  it  fell  before  the  blue-eyed  [daughter] 
of  an  illustrious  sire.  And  then  blue-eyed  Minerva  address¬ 
ed  Ulysses : 

“  O  noble  son  of  Laertes,  much-contriving  Ulysses,  refrain  ; 
and  check  the  contest  of  equally  destructive  war,  lest  by 
chance  far-sounding  Jove,  son  of  Saturn,  be  wrath  with  thee.” 

Thus  spoke  Minerva ;  and  he  obeyed,  and  rejoiced  in  his 
mind.  Afterward  Pallas  Minerva,  daughter  of  ^Ugis-bearing 
Jove,  propounded  oaths  to  both  sides,  likened  unto  Mentor, 
both  in  person  and  in  her  voice. 


«p 


.1 

PREFACE 


TO 

THE  BATTLE  OF  THE  FROGS  AND  MICE. 


Whoever  be  the  author  of  this  little  poem,  it  is  replete? 
with  legitimate  humor,  and  evinces  no  ordinary  taste  for  par¬ 
ody.  I  can  not  give  a  better  sketch  of  its  contents  than  in 
the  words  of  Coleridge,  Avhose  analysis  is  as  follows : 

A  mouse,  Psicharphax  (Crumb-Filcher),  exhausted  with 
flying  from  a  weasel,  came  to  a  pool  to  drink ;  a  Avanton  frog, 
Physignathus  (Puff-Cheek?f,  having  apparently  never  seen 
such  a  wild-fowl  before,  enters  into  conversation  Avith  him, 
^the  result  of  Avhich  is  that  the  mouse  mounts  upon  frog’s 
back,  and  goes  to  sea.  It  should  seem  that  frog  meant  to  be 
honest,  but  a  Avater-snake  lifting  up  his  head  at  no  great  dis¬ 
tance,  he  is  so  frightened,  that,  forgetful  of  his  poor  landsman, 
doAvn  he  diA’es  to  the  bottom.  Crumb-Filchcr  struggles,  sput¬ 
ters,  makes  a  speech  denouncing  his  perfidious  betrayer  to  the 
vengeance  of  every  feeling  mouse,  and  then  sinks  among  the 
bulrushes.  The  deceased  Avas  son  and  heir  of  the  king  of 
the  mice  (a  AA'casel  and  a  gin  had  bereaved  him  of  tAvo  broth¬ 
ers),  and  his  father,  by  his  influence,  induces  every  mouse 
in  the  field  to  take  arms  and  avenge  him  of  the  injurious  frog. 
The  frogs  perceive  the  bustle ;  and,  arming  themselves,  are  fool¬ 
ish  enough  to  leaAe  their  more  jiroper  clement,  and  meet  tlieir 
assailants  on  dry  land.  INleantinie  -Jupiter  holds  a  council 


336 


PREFACE. 


on  the  subject,  but  at  the  suggestion  of  Minerva — who,  though 
extremely  angry  Avith  the  mice  for  nibbling  one  of  her  petti¬ 
coats  into  rags,  is  still  so  incensed  with  the  frogs  for  depriv¬ 
ing  her  of  sleep,  that  she  will  assist  neither  party — it  is  re¬ 
solved  that  the  gods  shall  be  passive  spectators  of  the  contest. 
The  battle  begins :  great  prowess  is  displayed  on  either  side  ; 
but  at  length  the  mice  get  the  better,  and  the  entire  race  of 
frogs  is  on  the  very  point  of  extermination,  Avhen  Jupiter  in¬ 
terferes  with  lightning  and  thunder.  The  mice,  however,  pay 
no  attention  to  these  hints  of  the  divine  will,  and  are  pursuing 
their  advantage,  when  Jupiter,  as  a  last  resource,  orders  a 
detachment  of  crabs  to  make  an  e'chelon  movement  upon  the 
victors.  This  manoeuvre  effectually  checks  the  mice,  who, 
some  with  their  tails,  and  some  with  legs  bitten  off,  retire  to 
their  holes,  and  leave  the  remnant  of  the  frogs  to  croak  dole¬ 
fully  over  their  defeat  and  loss.” 


BATTLE  OF  THE  FBOGS  AND  MICE. 


NAMES  OF  THE 


DRAMATIS  PERSONS  EXPLAINED. 


MICE. 

PsiCHARPHAX,  crumh-filclier. 
Troxartes,  hread-muncher . 
Lichomyle,  lick-vieal. 
Pternotroctas,  chaw-bacon. 
Lichopinax,  lick-dish. 
Embasichytros,  pot-stalkcr . 
Lichexor,  lick-man. 
Troglodytes,  one  loho  runs  into 
holes. 

Artopiiagus,  bread-eater. 
Ttroglypiius,  cheese- scooper . 
Pternopiiagus,  bacon-eater. 
Cnissodioctes,  one  who  follows  the 
steam  of  the  kitchen. 
SiTOPiiAGUS,  wheat-eater. 
Meridaprax,  one  who  plunders  his 
share. 


FROGS. 

Physignatiius,  puff-cheeks. 
Peleus,  the  muddy. 
Hydromeduse,  water-queen. 
Hypsiboas,  loud-bawler. 

Pelion,  the  muddy. 

TEUTLiEus,  beet-man. 
PoLYPHONUs,  great-talker. 
Limnociiaris,  lake-rejoicing. 
Crambopiiagus,  cabhage-eate>, 
Limnisius,  of  the  lake. 
Calamintiiius,  of  the  reed. 

H YDROC n ARis,  ivater-rejoidng, 
Borbokocoetes,  lying  in  the  nrud, 
Prassopiiagus,  garlic-eater. 
Pf.ldsius,  the  muddy. 

P  E  lob  axes,  mud-walking. 
Prass^us,  garlic. 

Craugasides,  croaking. 


On  commencing,^  I  first  implore  tlie  qxiire  of  the  muses  to 
descend  from  Helicon  into  mine  heart,  for  the  sake  of  the  souir 
■which  I  now  commit  to  tablets  [placed]  upon  my  knees, ^  a 

*  Chapman  renders  this,  “entering  the  fields,”  where  there  seems  to 
be  a  typographical  error  for  “field.”  ’ApxoptvoQ  is  generally  joined 
with  some  other  word,  as  in  Apoll.  Rhod.  i.  1,  <tso  flwXih.  So  Ik 
Ai6(;  dpxwptcOa,  Aratus,  Phocn.  i.  The  old  paraj)hrase  runs  thus,  dpxpv 
TToiovptvoQ  Kurapxdg  tK  tov  opovg  tov  'EXirinvog  tXtvaeaOaL  tig  Tt'iv  ipi'iu 
I  tvxpv  Troiovpai  rpg  TroiijjJtojg  ijurii'a  doidijv  ftitSXi.og  iOijKa. 

^  Join  ipolg  yovvacL,  and  compare  Hi])])Ocrat.  Ep,  ad  Damag.  }>,  12, 

!  (>  AppoKpiTog  tix^^  Tdiv  jovvdroiv  fiifiXlov  b  iypacptv  iyKtiptvog. 
Maittairc. 

r 


338 


THE  BATTLE  OF 


[4—35. 


boundless  strife,  a,  war-clattering  deed  of  Mars,  desiring  all 
men  to  receive  it  into  their  ears — how  that  the  mice  went 
victorious  against  the  frogs,  imitating  the  deeds  of  the  earth- 
born  hero  giants,  as  was  the  report  among  men.  Now  it  had 
such  an  origin. 

Once  on  a  time  a  thirsting  mouse  having  escaped  danger 
from  a  weasel, ^  dipped  his  smooth^  beard  into  a  lake  near  at 
hand,  delighting  himself  with  the  sweet  water.  But  him  a 
talkative,  lake-rejoicing  [frog]  beheld,  and  addressed  him 
thus : 

Stranger,  who  art  thou  ?  Whence  comcst  thou  to  the 
shore*?  And  who  begat  thee?  Speak  all  things  truly,  lest  I 
catch  thee  telling  falsehoods.  For  if  I  perceive  thee  to  be  a 
proper  friend,  I  will  lead  thee  to  my  dwelling,  and  will  give 
thee  gifts  of  hospitality,  numerous  and  good.  Now  1  am  king 
Puff-Cheeks,  who  am  honored  throughout  the  marsh,  through 
all  days  ruling  over  the  frogs.  And  IMuddy,  my  sire,  of  erst 
gave  me  birth,  mingling  in  embrace^  with  Water-Queen  by 
the  banks  of  Eridanus.  And  I  perceive  that  thou  too  art 
handsome  and  valiant  above  other  [mice],  a  sceptre-wielding 
king,  and  a  warrior  in  battles.^  But  come,  quickly  detail  thy 
pedigree.” 

But  him  Crumb-Filchcr  answered  and  addressed : 

“Why  askest  thou  concerning  my  race,  which  is  well 
known  to  all,  both  men,  and  gods,  and  birds  of  the  sky?  I 
am  hight  Crumb-Filcher,  but  I  am  the  son  of  my  great- 
souled  sire  Bread-Muncher,  and  my  mother  indeed  is  Lick- 
iMeal,  daughter  of  king  Chaw-Bacon.  But  she  brought  me 
forth  in  a  hut,  and  nurtured  me  with  viands,  with  figs,  and 
nuts,  and  all  sorts  of  eatables.  But  how  canst  thou  make  me 
a  friend,  who  am  no  ways  like  [thee]  in  nature?  For  thy 
sustenance  is  in  the  waters,  but  it  is  my  wont  to  feed  upon 
as  many  things  as  arc  among  men.  Nor  docs  the  short-baked^ 

^  Not  a  cat,  for  “in  agris  mures  non  timent  felcs,  sed  mnstclas.” 
Maittaire  compares  Arist.  Hist.  An.  vi.  [juuat;]  ai  yctAoT  at  dypiai  pd- 
\i(TTa  dvaipovai,  and  Pliaedr.  fab.  i.  22. 

*  Xlxvov,  the  reading  of  the  Oxford  MS.  seems  more  recherche  than 
ctTraXov. 

*  “Mix’d  in  nuptial  knot.”  Chapman. 

®  A  seeming  imitation  of  II.  iii.  171),  dp<puT(pov  jSacnXtvc  r  dyaBbi;, 
KpartpoQ  T  alxprjTpQ. 

■'  This  is  probably  the  sense,  though  not  the  exact  meaning  of  rpioKO- 


3G— 60.] 


THE  FROGS  AND  MICE. 


339 


loaf  escape  me  in  the  well-rounded  basket,  nor  tlie  large  flat® 
cake,  having  plenty  of  sesame  cheese,  nor  a  slice  of  ham,  nor 
white-vested  tripe,  nor  cheese  newly  pressed  from  sweet  milk, 
nor  nice  honey-cake,  which  even  the  blessed  [gods]  long  for, 
nor  [in  short]  as  many  things  as  cooks  prepare  for  the  ban¬ 
quets  of  men,  decking  the  dishes  with  all  kinds  of  dainties. 
Never  have  I  fled  from  the  sad  cry  in  war,  but  going  straight 
forward  to  the  fight,  I  have  mingled  with  the  foremost  com¬ 
batants.  I  dread  not  man,  although  possessing  a  mighty 
frame,  but  going  to  his  bed,  I  nibble  the  tip  of  his  finger,  and 
catch  him  by  the  heel,  nor  does  pain  attack  the  man,  nor'-^ 
does  sweet  sleep  leave  him,  when  I  bite.  But  there  are  two 
[creatures  alone]  which  I  dread  very  much  throughout  the 
whole  earth,  the  hawk^^  and  the  weasel,  who  bring  great 
grief  upon  me,  and  the  lamentable  trap,  where  there  is  death 
by  stratagem.  But  above  all  1  dread  the  weasel,  which  is 
excellent  [in  cunning],  which  even  in  my  hole  hunts  [me  ] 
out,  when  taking  refuge  in  my  hole.’^  I  do  not  eat  radishes, 
nor  cabbages,  nor  gourds,  nor  do  I  feed  upon  fresh  beets,  nor 
parsley,  for  these  arc  the  viands  of  you  who  [dwell]  in  the 
marsh.” 

To  this  Puff-Cheeks,  smiling,  answered  thus:  “O  stranger, 
thou  boastest  too  much  of  the  belly.  Among  us,  also,  both 
in  the  marsh,  and  on  the  land,  there  are-  very  many  wonders 
to  behold.  For  unto  the  frogs  hath  the  son  of  Saturn  grant¬ 
ed  a  two-lived  sustenance,  to  leap  along  the  earth,  and  to  hide 

7ruvi<7TOQ,  to  the  same  purpose  as  Ilorapollo,  Ilieroglypli.  §  47,  ]).  30,  ccl. 
Cassin.,  says  that  if  tliere  is  a  great  choice  of  bread,  the  mouse  always 
selects  Tov  KaOapwTcirov.  Chapman  translates, 

“Thrice  boulted,  kneaded  and  subdued  in  paste, 

In  clean  round  kimmels.” 

®  If  TavvTrtTvXoQ  be  correct,  it  must  simply  mean  large,  stretched  out 
on  all  sides,  like  a  modern  seaman’s  biscuit.  But  I  think  we  should  read 
TavvTTtTrKov,  referring  it  to  arjaanowpov,  i,  c.  “  having  a  thick  paste  (cf. 
Liddell,  s.  v.  TupoQ.)  of  sesame  spread  all  over  it  like  a  robe.”  The 
metaphor  is  very  humorously  expressed  by  Chapman,  “That  crusty- 
weeds  wear,  large  as  ladies’  trains.” 

®  One  would  almost  expect  ov  o’  aTrk(pwy  vttvoc,  but  I  have  some 
doubts  whether  oe^e  may  take  the  second  place  in  the  sentence. 

10  “  Js'igiit-hawk.”  Chapman. 

“For  by  that  hole,  that  hope  says,  I  shall  ’scape. 

At  that  hole  ever  she  commits  my  rape.”  Chapman. 


340 


THE  BATTLE  OF 


[Gl— 88. 


our  bodies  beneath  the  waters,  [to  dwell  in  houses  placed 
apart  in  two  elements.]^^  if  thou  art  willing  to  learn 

these  things  also,  it  is  easy.  Get  upon  iny  back,  and  take 
hold  of  me,  lest  thou  perish,  so  that,  rejoicing,  thou  mayest 
come  to  mine  home. 

Thus  then  he  spake,  and  presented  his  back,  and  he  mount¬ 
ed  very  quickly,  putting  his  hands  round  his  smooth  neck, 
with  a  nimble  leap.  And  at  first  he  rejoiced,  when  he  beheld 
the  harbors  near  at  hand,  delighting  himself  with  the  swim¬ 
ming  of  Puflf-Cheeks.  But  when  he  was  now  buried  under 
the  purple  waves,  weeping  much,  he  lamented  with  too-late 
repentance,  and  plucked  out  his  hairs,  and  drew  up  his  feet 
to  his  belly,^^  and  his  heart  palpitated  unusually,^^  and  he 
longed  to  reach  the  land.  And  dreadfully  he  groaned  under 
the  pressure  of  chill  fear.  But  there  suddenly  appeared  a 
water-serpent,  a  dreadful  sight  to  both,  and  raised  his  neck 
straight  up  above  the  water.  Seeing  him,  Puff-Cheeks  dived 
down,  in  no  wise  reflecting  what  a  companion  he  was  about 
to  leave  to  perish.  And  he  went  to  the  depth  of  the  marsh, 
and  avoided  black  fate ;  but  he  (the  mouse),  immediately  he 
was  let  go,  fell  on  his  back  in  the  water,  and  he  cramped  up 
his  hands,  and  perishing,  squeaked.  Oftentimes  indeed  he  sank 
beneath  the  water,  and  oftentimes  again  he  came  to  the  sur¬ 
face,  kicking  about,  but  it  was  not  permitted  him  to  avoid  his 
destiny.  First  he  stretched  his  tail  over  the  waters,  drawing 
it  along  like  an  oar,  and,  beseeching  the  gods  that  he  might 
reach  the  land,  he  was  washed  away  by  the  purple  waves. 
And  much  he  clamored,  and  spake  such  a  discourse,  and  ha¬ 
rangued  with  his  voice : 

“  Not  thus^^  did  a  bull  bear  the  burden  of  love  on  his 
shoulders  (when  he  carried  Europa  through  the  waves  to 
Crete),  as  this  frog,  swimming,  hatli  carried  me  home  on  his 


Ernesti  with  reason  rejects  this  line  as  spurious. 

)3  “ 'With  his  feet  fetch’d  up  to  his  belly.”  Chapman. 

’■*  Or  “through  inexperience,”  i.  e.  dread  at  the  unusual  attempt  ho 
was  making.  IMattaire  well  compares  Lucian,  Dial.,  inrb  cttjGtiaQ  im- 
j.^aaa  ox^JHarog  irapabo^ov  Karsirtcrtv  tg  to  TrkXayog.  Chapman,  “for 
the  insolent  plight  in  which  his  state  did  stand.” 

From  Chapman’s  translation,  he  a}>])ears  to  have  read  verses  82-89 
after  vs.  71.  But  he  was  jjrobably  misled  by  sujiposing  that  the  phrase 
ovx  olirw  was  used  in  ])iaise  and  boasting,  not  in  complaint. 


89— ill. J 


THE  FROGS  AND  MICE. 


341 


back,  having  stretched  out  liis  pallid  body  on  the  white 
stream.”  But  his  moistened  hairs  drew  a  very  great  weight 
upon  him,  and  at  length,  perishing,  he  spoke  such  words : 

“Thou  shalt  not  escape  notice,  O  Puti-Cheeks,  having  done 
these  things  deceitfully,  having  cast  [me]  shipwrecked  from 
thy  body,  as  from  a  rock.^^  On  the  earth,  O  basest  one,  thou 
wast  not  my  better  in  the  pancratium,  nor  in  wrestling,  nor 
the  coursed^  But  having  deluded  me,  thou  hast  cast  me  into 
the  water.  God  has  an  avenging  eye,  who,  forsooth,  will 
straightway  requite  a  just  punishment^®  and  revenge  (with 
which  indeed  the  army  of  the  mice  .shall  punish  thee,  nor 
shalt  thou  escape).” 

Having  spoken  thus,  he  breathed  his  last  in  the  water,  but 
him  Lick-Dish  perceived,  as  he  sat  upon  the  soft  banks  (and 
he  truly  went  to  the  mice,  a  most  swift  messenger  of  his  fate), 
and  he  uttered  a  dreadful  cry,  and  ran  and  told  it  to  the  mice.^'*^ 

But  when  they  heard  [their  eornpanion’s]  fate,  bitter  wrath 
entered  them  all,  and  they  then  gave  orders  to  their  heralds, 
at  dawn  to  summon  a  council  to  the  house  of  Bread-Mu ncher, 
the  unhappy  sire  of  Crumb-Filcher,  who  was  floating  on  his 
back  in  the  marsh,  a  lifeless  corse,  nor  was  unhappy  he  any 
longer  near  the  banks,  but  was  swimming  in  the  middle  of  the 
stream.  But  when  they  hastening  came  at  dawn,  first  arose 
Bread-jMuncher,  enraged  on  account  of  his  son,  and  spoke  thus : 

“  O  friends,^*^  although  I  alone  among  the  frogs  have  suf¬ 
fered  many  ills,  yet  evil  fate  is  the  appointed  destiny  of  all. 
But  I  am  now  an  object  of  pity,  since  1  have  lost  three  sons. 

One  would  ratlier  expect  tTrl  Trirp^,  “shipwrecked  upon  a  rock.” 
Mattaire,  liowever,  thinks  that  Trirpa  here  signifies  '•’•rupes  sive  scopii- 
lus  in  mari.” 

Tims  paraphrased  by  Parnell : 

“At  land  thy  strength  could  never  c(  sial  mine, 

At  sea  to  conquer,  and  by  craft,  was  thine. 

Hut  heaven  has  gods,  and  gods  have  searcliing  eyes; 

Ye  mice,  ye  mice,  my  great  avengers,  rise!” 

®  This  passage  has  rather  the  characteristics  of  a  Christian  writer 
See  Erne.sti. 

This  is  a  strange  tautology.  Verse  09  must  be  an  interpolation, 
as  Ernesti  suspected. 

•®  “  O  friends,  though  I  alone  may  seem  to  bear 

All  the  infortune ;  yet  may  all  met  here 
Account  it  their  case.  But  ’tis  true,  I  am 
In  chief  unhap})y — ” 


Chapman. 


342 


THE  BATTLE  OF 


[112—137. 


For  the  first,  indeed,  a  most  hateful  weasel  slew,  liaving 
snatched  liim  away,  catching  him  outside  his  hole.  Hut  an¬ 
other,  in  turn,  ruthless  men  brought  to  liis  doom,  having,  by 
a  new  art,  discovered  a  wooden  engine,  wliich  they  call  a 
trap,  being  a  destruction  to  mice.  The  third  Avas  beloved  by 
me  and  his  revered  mother — him  has  I’ufi-Cheeks  sutfocated, 
leading  him  into  the  deep.  Hut  come,  let  us  be  armed,  and 
go  forth  against  them,  having  equipped  our  bodies  in  varie¬ 
gated  arms. 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  persuaded  them  all  to  be  armed, 
and  them  did  Mars,  avIio  has  a  care  for  war,  urge  on  [to  the 
fight].  First  indeed  they  placed  greaves  around  their  shins, 
having  broken  off,  and  deftly  worked,  green  bean  [shells], 
Avhich^i  they  themselves,  coming  by  night,  had  devoured. 
And  they  had  breast-plates  made  of  reed-strengthened  skins, 
which,  having  stripped  a  Aveasel,  they  had  skillfully  made. 
Hut  their  shield  Avas  the  boss  of  a  lamp,  Avhile  their  spear  Avas 
a  good  long  needle,  the  all-brazen  Avork  of  JMars.  Hut  the 
helmet  on  their  foreheads  Avas  the  shell  of  a  nut. 

Thus  indeed  Avere  the  mice  armed  ;  but  Avhen  the  frogs  per¬ 
ceived  [it],  they  SAvarn  up  out  of  the  Avater,  and  coming  into 
one  "place,  they  assembled  a  couneil  concerning  evil  Avar. 
Hut  Avhile  they  AA^ere  considering  whence  [Avas]  the  tumult, 
and  Avhat  the  gathering,  a  herald  came  near,  bearing  a  staff 
in  his  hands,  Pot-Stalker,  the  son  of  great-souled  Cheese- 
Scooper,  bearing  neAvs  of  the  evil  report  of  Avar,  and  he  spoke 
thus : 

i.  e.  the  beans,  for  Kvapovg  must  be  taken  both  for  the  shell  and 
the  beau.  Compare  Chapman’s  version  : 

“First  on  each  leg  the  green  shales  of  a  l)ean 
They  closed  for  boots,  that  sat  exceeding  clean ; 

The  shales  they  broke  ope,  but  chaling  by  night, 

And  ate  the  beans;  their  jacks,  art  exquisite 
Had  shoAvn  in  tliem,  being  cats’  skins,  cveiy  ^vhere 
Quilted  Avith  quills:  their  fenceful  bucklers  Avere, 

The  middle  rounds  of  can’  sticks ;  but  their  spear 
A  huge  long  needle  Avas — ” 

Ernesti  Avonders  hoAV  the  mice  could  have  got  at  the  Aveasel  skin,  and 
liOAv  one  skin  Avould  suffice  for  so  many.  Hence  liOAvould  read  Ovpawv, 
“  intelligens  caw/t\s  in  qua  significatione  Ovpaog  scribi,  Eustathius  tradit. 
Caules  ])lantarum  demorsos  stramineis  vinculis  junxere.”  He  Avould 
then  omit  the  foIloAving  verse.  I  must  confess  that  even  Chapman’s  in¬ 
genious  translation  fails  to  satisfy  me  as  to  tcaXapo(yTs<ptiuv  (Svpcrujy. 


138—175.] 


THE  FROGS  AND  MICE. 


343 


“  O  frogs,  the  mice,  threatening  you,  have  sent  [me]  to  bid 
you  be  armed  for  war  and  battle.  For  in  the  water  they 
have  seen  Crumb-Filcher,  whom  your  king  Fuff-Checks  slew. 
But  light,  ye,  who  among  the  frogs  are  most  valiant.” 

Thus  having  spoken  he  declared  [the  matter],  but  the 
speech  of  the  mice,  entering  into  their  cars,  disturbed  the 
minds  of  the  haughty  frogs.  And,  as  they  complained,  Puff- 
Cheeks  arose  and  said: 

“  O  friends,  I  did  not  slay  the  mouse,  nor  did  1  behold  him 
perishing.  He  must  needs  have  been  suffocated,  playing  near 
the  marsh,  imitating  the  swimmings  of  the  frogs,  but  these 
most  base  ones  now  charge  me  who  am  innocent.  But  comCj 
let  us  seek  counsel,  how  we  may  utterly  destroy  these  deceit¬ 
ful  mice.  Wherefore  I  will  speak,  as  seems  to  me  to  be  best. 
Having  arrayed  our  bodies  in  arms,  let  us  all  make  a  stand 
near  the  furthermost  brinks,  where  the  land  is  precipitous. 
But  when  making  an  onslaught  against  us,  they  come  out, 
having  seized  them  by  the  helmets,  whosoever  shall  come 
near  against  us,  let  us  hurl  them  straight  into  the  marsh  with 
them. For  thus  having  choked  in  the  waters  these  creat¬ 
ures  who  can  not  swim,  we  may  here,  with  a  good  courage,  up¬ 
raise  a  trophy  over  the  slain  mice.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  clad  them  all  in  arms.  With  the 
leaves  of  mallows  indeed  they  surrounded  their  shins,  and 
they  had  breast-plates  made  from  wide,  fresh  beets,  and  they 
had  well  prepared  the  leaves  of  cabbages  for  shields,  and  a 
long  sharp  reed  was  fitted  to  each  as  a  spear,  and  helmets  of 
light  cockle-shells  encircled  their  heads  with  a  defense.  And 
having  armed  themselves,  they  stood  upon  the  high  banks, 
brandishing  their  spears,  and  were  each  filled  with  wrath. 

But  Jove,  having  summoned  the  gods  to  the  starry  heaven, 
and  having  pointed  out  the  forces  of  war,  and  the  valiant 
combatants,  both  numerous  and  mighty,  and  bearing  long 
spears,  such  an  army  as  comes  of  the  centaurs  and  giants — 
smiling  pleasantly,  he  asked,  who  of  the  immortals  would  bo 
allies  to  the  frogs,  or  to  the  mice,  and  addressed  Minerva : 

“O  daughter,  goest  thou  in  order  to  bear  aid  to  the  mice? 
For  of  a  truth  they  are  all  continually  leaping  about  thy  tem¬ 
ple,  where  they  are  delighted  with  the  steam  and  delicacies 
from  the  offerings.” 

See  Ernesli. 


344 


THE  BATTLE  OF 


[17G— 198. 


Thus  spake  the  son  of  Saturn,  but  him  Minerva  addressed: 

“  O  father,  never  will  I  come  as  an  assistant  to  the  mice  in 
trouble,  since  they  have  done  me  many  ills,  liaving  befouled 
my  garlands,  and  lamps,  for  the  sake  of  the  oil.  Ikit  this 
thing,  such  as  they  have  done,  has  particularly  eaten  into  my 
soul,  they  have  nibbled  away  a  garment,  which  I  had  Avorked 
with  mine  own  toil,  of  delicate  thread,  and  I  wove  a  delicate 
web,  and  they  have  made  holes  in  it.  But  the  fweaver^*  press, 
es  me,  and  demands  usury  of  me,  [and]  on  this  account  I  am 
Avorn  out.  For  having  borrowed,!  I  Avorked  it,  and  have  not 
the  wherewithal  to  pay  back.  But  even  thus  I  shall  not  be 
Avilling  to  aid  the  frogs.  For  neither  are  they  discreet  in 
mind,  but  yesterday,  Avhen  I  Avas  returning  from  battle,  Avhen 
I  Avas  A^ery  tired,  and  Avanted  to  sleep,  they,  making  a  noise, 
Avould  not  suffer  me  to  close  my  eyes  eA^en  for  a  minute,^^  and. 
I  lay  sleepless  Avith  a  headache,  until  the  cock  croAved.  But 
come,  let  us  gods  avoid  aiding  these,  lest  some  one  of  us  be 
Avounded  by  a  sharp  dart,  [and  lest  any  one  be  stricken  as  to 
his  body  Avith  a  spear  or  a  SAvord  :]2®  for  they  are  going  to  fight 
hand  to  hand,  ev^en  if  a  god  Avere  to  come  against  them,  and 
let  us  all  be  amused,  beholding  the  strife  from  heaA’en.” 

Thus  then  she  spoke,  and  her  the  other  gods  all  obeyed. 
But  they  all  at  once  came  together  into  one  place,  and  Iavo 
heralds,  bearing  the  portent^'^  of  Avar,  and  then  [Avith  them] 

Chapman  renders  j/Trjjrz/c,  a  darner.  But  there  is  much  difficulty 
in  the  whole  passage.  Coleridge,  Introduction,  p.  282,  says,  “I  do  not 
])retend  to  understand  this  passage  exactly ;  there  is  evidently  some  con¬ 
fusion  in  the  text.  If  rrpdaati  pe  ruKovg,  exacts  usury  of  me,  is  genuine, 
is  it  possible  to  reconcile  such  an  allusion  to  the  Homeric  age  ?”  Far- 
nell’s  Aversion  is  very  Avitty,  but  it  is  not  to  the  sense : 

“For  Avhich  vile  earthly  duns  thy  daughter  gricA’e ; 

The  gods,  that  use  no  coin,  liaA'C  none  to  giA’e.” 

Coleridge  considers  that  j/ttz/tj/c  means  “  the  man  of  Avhom  Minerva  got 
the  stuff;”  but  Chapman’s  translation  is  confirmed  by  Phrynichus,  Avho 
compares  it  Avith  dKeari'/g.  Ernest i  Avould  read  ‘x^piiarpv,  creditorem. 
The  Leipsic  MS.  reads  mi  ttoXc  pe  irpaaoH,  Avhich  certainly  gets  rid  of 
some  of  the  difficulty ;  but  the  j)assagc  is  by  no  means  satisfactory. 

old’  oXiyov, 

“  nor  Avould  stay 

Till  one  Avink  seized  mine  eyes.”  Chapman. 

Justly  regarded  as  spurious  by  Ernesti. 

“Belli  signum,”  Virg.  iEn.  A'iii.  1.  Cf.  II.  xi.  4.  The  A'erse  Iioaa'- 
ever  is  Avanting  in  tAvo  MSS.,  and  since  Jupiter  is  said  to  liaA’c  given  the 


100—225.] 


345 


THE  FROGS  AND  MICE. 

gnats,  Iniving  large  trumpets,  sounded  tlie  dreadful  signal  of 
war,  and  Jove,  the  son  of  Saturn,  looking  down  from  heaven, 
thundered  a  portent  of  evil  war. 

Then  first  Loud-Hoarer  wounded  Lick-Man  with  his  spear, 
Avhile  standing  among  the  foremost  combatants,  on  the  belly, 
in  the  middle  of  the  liver,  and  he  fell  prone,  and  defded  his 
tender  hairs  in  the  dust.  [And  falling,  he  gave  a  crash,  and 
his  arms  resounded  upon  him.]-®  But  after  him  Ilole-Crcepcr 
took  aim  at  Mud-Son,  and  he  fixed  the  sturdy  spear  in  his 
breast,  and  black  death  seized  him  as  he  fell,  and  the  soul  flew 
from  his  limbs.  But  Beet-!Man  then  slew  Pot-Stalker,  having 
smote  him  to  the  heart.  And  Bread-Munch  struck  Loud- 
Talker  on  the  belly,  and  he  fell  prone,  and  the  soul  fled  from 
Ids  limbs.  But  when  Love-Marsh  beheld  Loud-Talker  per¬ 
ishing,  he  wounded  Ilole-Creeper  with  a  mill-stone,  coming 
upon  him  unawares,  in  the  middle  of  the  neck;  but  him  dark¬ 
ness  shadowed  as  to  his  eyes  ;  [but^®  grief  posses|;ed  Ocimides, 
and  he  let  fly  with  a  sharp  bulrush.  But  he  di’^^w  the  sword 
of  him  who  had  made  the  attack  upon  himself,  nor  did  he 
draw  out  the  sword,  but  fell  immediately  before.]®®  But 
Lick-Man  took  aim  at  him  with  his  shining  spear,  and  smote 
him  (nor  did  he  miss)  in  the  liver.  But  when  Cabbage-Eater 
perceived  this,  he  leaped  down  the  deep  banks  in  flight.  But 
even  thus  he  escaped  not  in  the  waters,  for  he  (Lick-Man) 
smote  him,  and  he  fell,  nor  breathed  again,  and  the  marsh  was 
stained  with  purple  gore,  and  he  himself  was  stretched  out 
near  the  bank,  swelling  with  the  fat  intestines  [round]  his 
flank.  But  lie  [also]  slev/  Cheese-Scooper  upon  the  very 
banks,  and  Peedy,  perceiving  Chaw-Bacon,  fell  into  dis¬ 
may,  and  leaped  into  the  lake  in  flight,  having  cast  away 
his  shield.  ILit  Love-^Yater  also  slew  king  Chaw-Bacon, 
liaving  smote  liim  upon  the  forepart  of  the  head  with  a  stone, 

n'gnal  by  thunder  (vs.  201),  as  in  Od.  xxi.  101.  I  think  that  it  miglit 
be  well  spared. 

A  doubtful  insertion  from  the  Iliad. 

These  three  lines  are  very  awkward,  and  are  apparently  wanting  in 
the  MSS.  The  student  must  consult  Mattaire’s  notes,  where  the  cen- 
tones  of  the  Iliad  and  Odyssey,  out  of  which  this  description  of  the  bat¬ 
tle  seems  chielly  composed,  are  diligently  collected.  The  name,  O/ct- 
seems  to  be  derived  from  tbe  herb  ocimus,  the  jSaaiXtiog  Ot  tha 
Greeks.  See  Casaub.  on  Fers.  Sat.  iv.  21. 

The  confusion  of  ])ersons  in  these  lines  is  inextricable. 

P  2 


346 


[22G— 255. 


THE  BATTLE  OF 


and  the  brain  trickled  out  from  bis  nostrils,  and  the  earth  was 
defiled  with  gore.  But  faultless  Mud-Bed  slew  Litraeus,^^  and 
Lick-Dish  killed  faultless  Mud-Bed,  rushing  at  him  with  his 
spear,  but  darkness  vailed  him  as  to  his  eyes.  And  Munch- 
Garlick,  perceiving  [him],  dragged  Savour-Hunter  by  the 
foot,  and  choked  him  in  the  marsh,  having  seized  him  by  the 
tendon  of  his  foot.  But  Crumb-Filcher  came  to  the  aid  of 
his  slain  companions,  and  smote  Munch-Garlick  on  the  belly, 
in  the  midst  of  the  liver.  And  he  fell  before  him,  and  his 
soul  went  to  lie, des- ward. But  Mud-Stalker  looking  on, 
hurled  a  handful  of  mud  against  him,  and  befouled  his  fore¬ 
head,  and  within  a  little  blinded  him.  And  he  then  was  en¬ 
raged,  and  taking  in  his  sturdy  hand  a  stone  which  lay  on  the 
plain,  a  heavy  burden  of  the  field,  with  it  smote  IVIud-Stalkcr 
beneath  the  knees,  and  the  whole  of  his  right  shin  was  broken, 
and  he  fell  supine  in  the  dust.  But  Croak-Son  came  to  his 
aid,  and  went  in  turn  against  liim,  and  smote  him  in  the  mid¬ 
dle  of  the  belly ;  and  the  sharp  bulrush  went  right  through 
him,  and  on  the  ground  were  poured  out  all  his  entrails,  as  the 
spear  was  drawn  out  by  the  sturdy  hand.  And  Wheat-Eater, 
as  he  perceived  it  on  the  banks  of  the  river,  limping  gave  back 
from  the  fight,  and  was  grievously  pained.  And  he  leaped 
into  the  ditch,  in  order  that  he  might  escape  utter  destruction. 
But  Munch-Bread  smote  Swell-Cheeks  on  the  tip  of  the  foot, 
and  pained,  he  swiftly  leaped  into  the  marsh  in  flight. But 
when  IMunch-Bread  perceived  him  fallen  in,  yet  half  alive, 
he  forthwith  ran  up,  longing  to  put  an  end  to  him.  But 
when  Garlick  saw  him  fallen  in,  yet  half  alive,  he  came 
through  the  foremost  combatants,  and  took  aim  with  a  sliarp 
bulrush.  Nor  did  he  break  his  shield,  for  the  point  of  the 
spear  was  detained  in  it.  [But  noble  Origanum,  imitating 
Mars  himself,  smote  him  on  the  four-potted^*^  blameless  hel- 

^  This  nams  was  restored  by  Barnes,  in  lieu  of  <^tTpaiov. 

I  ani  unwillim;  to  lose  tin  full  force  of  dWuads. 

^  Evidently  an  interjnlated  line.  For  how,  asks  Ernesti,  could  the 
mouse  attack  him,  when  he  had  leaped  into  the  lake?  The  whole  pas¬ 
sage  is  omitted  more  or  less  in  the  ]MSS.,  and  is  in  a  most  unjn-omising 
state  of  mutilation. 

A  hopeless  e])ithet.  Ernesti  conjectures  rerpapdXrjpov.  But  as  wo 
read  above,  vs.  130,  /;  ck  Kopvg  to  XsTrvpov  IttI  KpoTiKpoo;  /capi;o«o,  that  tho 
helmet  of  the  mice  consisted  of  a  nut-shell;  is  it  not  likely  that  the  lost 
word  is  to  be  thus  replaced:  dpvpova,  reTpaXtxupoi’,  of  four  thicknesses 


25G-278.] 


THE  FliOGS  AND  MICE. 


347 


met,  who  alone  among  the  frogs  fought  gallantly  in  the  crowd. 
And  they  rushed  upon  him,  but  he,  when  he  perceived,  await¬ 
ed  not  the  valiant  heroes,  but  dived  beneath  the  depths  of  the 
marsh.]^^ 

Xow^®  among  the  mice  there  was  a  certain  young  one,  sur¬ 
passing  the  others,  a  fighter  hand  to  hand,  the  beloved  son  of 
blameless  Bread-Plotter,  a  general,  showing  himself  a  very 
Mars,  valiant  Share-Snatcher,  who  alone  among  the  mice  was 
surpassing  in  the  fight.  And  he  stood  beside  the  marsh,  ex¬ 
ulting  alone,  apart  from  the  rest;  and  he  had  determined  to 
lay  waste  the  race  of  warrior  frogs.  And  he  would  certainly 
have  accomplished  it,  since  mighty  was  his  strength,  had  not 
the  father  of  men  and  gods  quickly  perceived.  And  the  son 
of  Saturn  then  took  pity  on  the  perishing  frogs,  and  having 
moved  his  head,  he  uttered  such  a  speech : 

“  O  gods !  surely  ’tis  a  great  deed  I  behold  with  mine  eyes. 
Kot  a  little  has  Share  -  Snatcher  astounded  me,  raging  to 
slaughter  the  frogs  in  the  marsh. But  let  us  with  all  haste 
dispatch  war-clattering  Pallas,  and  Mars,  who  may  restrain 
him  from  the  figlit,  although  being  valiant.” 

Thus  indeed  spake  the  son  of  Saturn,  but  Mars  replied  in 
words  :  “Neither  the  might  of  Minerva,  nor  indeed  of  Mars, 
will  be  able  to  avert  utter  destruction  from  the  frogs.  But 
come,  let  us  all  go  as  assistants,  or  let  thy  mighty  weapon, 
Titan-slaying,  of  mighty  deeds,  be  moved,  [the  weapon]  by 
which  thou  didst  slay  far  the  best  of  all  the  Titans,  [with 
which  too  thou  didst  once  slay  Capaneus,  a  mighty  hero,]^® 
and  didst  chain  down  Enceladus,  and  the  wild  tribe  of  giants, 
[let  it  be  moved,  for  thus  will  he  be  taken,  whoever  is  best.] 

Thus  indeed  he  spoke,  and  the  son  of  Saturn  hurled  his 
smouldering  bolt.  First  indeed  he  thundered,  and  shook 
mighty  Olympus,  and  then,  brandishing,  he  sent  his  dreadful 

of  nnt-slicll  ?”  Such  a  compound  is,  T  think,  well  suited  to  the  bombast 
of  tliis  quasi-epic  ])oem.  Tlie  corruption  is  easily  accounted  for 

These  lines  are  found  only  in  the  edition  of  Lycius,  and  partly  in 
the  MSS.  See  Ernesti. 

Cf.  II.  V.  0,  sqq. 

The  comma  after  XlfivTjv  must  be  removed,  r.nd  we  must  join 
fiarp.  Kara  XIpvrjv. 

This  line  is  most  awkwardly  interposed  between  the  mention  of  the 
Titans  and  Enceladus,  and  as  it  is  omitted  in  some  MSS.  it  may  well  be 
jj)arod.  I’erhaps  vs.  273  should  also  be  omitted. 


848  the  battle  of  the  frogs  and  mice.  [279—294. 


bolt,  the  weapon  of  Jove,  and  it  flew  down  from  the  hand  of 
the  king.  Having  hurled  it,  he  terrified  all,^^  both  frogs  and 
mice.  Hut  not  even  thus  did  the  army  of  the  mice  rest,  but 
still  the  more  desired  to  lay  waste  the  race  of  warrior  frogs ; 
unless  the  son  of  Saturn  had  compassionated  the  frogs,  [look¬ 
ing  down]  from  Olympus,  who  indeed  then  forthwith  sent  ah 
lies  to  the  frogs.  And  they  came  anvil-backed, curve-claw¬ 
ed,  sidelong  in  gait,  squinting,  their  mouths  armed  witli  pin¬ 
cers,  shell-clad,  boii}^,  wide-backed,  shining  on  the  shoulders, 
crook-kneed,  with  outstretched  hands,  having  sight  in  their 
breasts,  eight-footed,  two-headed,  not  to  be  handled,  and  they 
are  called  Crabs,  who  indeed  with  their  mouths  clipped  otf 
the  tails,  and  feet,  and  hands  of  the  mice,  and  their  spears 
were  bent.  These  too  the  timid  mice  dreaded,  nor  awaited 
them ;  but  they  turned  to  flight,  and  the  sun  now  set,  and  the 
end  of  the  war  was  brought  to  pass  in  one  day. 

Cf.  Hor.  Ocl.  i.  2,  2,  “et  rubentc  Fulmine  sacras  juculatus  arces, 
lerruit  urbem  ;  tevruit  gentcs.” 

Compare  Cowper’s  spirited  version : 

“ - Sudden  thev  came.  Broad-back’d 

They  were,  and  smooth  like  anvils,  sickle-claw’d, 

Sideling  in  gait,  their  mouths  with  pincers  arm’d, 

Shell-clad,  crook-kneed,  protruding  far  before. 

Long  hands  and  claws,  with  eye-holes  in  the  breast, 

Legs  in  quaternion  ranged  on  either  side, — 

And  Crabs  their  name.” 


HYMNS. 


I.  TO  ATOLLO.' 

I  WILL  call  to  mind,  nor  will  I  be  forgetful  of  far-darting 
Apollo,  whom  even  the  gods  dread  as  he  goes  through  the 
house  of  Jove,  and  all  rise  up  from  their  seats,  as  he  comes 
near,  when  he  stretches  his  glorious  bow.^  But  Latona  alone 
remains  by  the  side  of  thunder-rejoicing  Jove,  who  both  re¬ 
laxes  his  bow,  and  shuts  up  his  quiver,  and  taking  with  her 
hands  the  bow  from  his  mighty  shoulders,  hangs  it  up  against 
a  column  of  her  sire’s,  from  a  golden  peg,  and  conducting, 
seats  him  on  a  throne.  And  unto  him  his  sire  gives  nectar  in 
a  golden  goblet,  receiving  his  dear  son,^  and  then  the  other  gods 

^  On  the  antiquity  of  this  hymn,  as  attested  by  Thucydides,  see  Mul¬ 
ler,  Gk.  Lit.  V.  §  1,  and  vii.  §  3;  and  for  an  elegant  analysis  of  its  con¬ 
tents,  Coleridge,  p.  284-291.  Miiller  thinks  that  “a  large  portion  of 
it  has  been  lost,  which  contained  the  beginning  of  the  narration,  the  true 
ground  of  the  wanderings  of  Latona.”  This  ho  conjectured  to  have  been 
“the  announcement,  probably  made  by  Here,  that  Latona  would  pro¬ 
duce  a  terrible  and  mighty  son :  of  which  a  contradiction  is  meant  to  be 
implied  in  Apollo’s  first  words,  where  he  calls  the  cithera  his  favorite  in¬ 
strument,  as  well  as  the  bow,  and  declares  his  chief  office  to  be  the  pro¬ 
mulgation  of  the  counsels  of  Zeus.”  See  Herm.  on  vs.  29.  Coleridge 
thinks  that  two  distinct  hymns,  the  second  commencing  at  line  178,  have 
been  joined  together,  the  first  b.eing  “a  distinct  hymn  to  the  Delian  Apol¬ 
lo,  prefixed  without  much  skill  to  another  hymn  to  the  Tythian.”  Tlio 
same  idea  has  been  adopted  by  Grote,  Hist,  of  Greece,  vol.  i.  p.  Gl,  sqq., 
Avhere  he  has  amply  discussed  the  matter  of  this  hymn.  The  beginning 
is  imitated  by  Callimachus  in  Del.  vs.  8. 

^  “Foeta  initio  universe  reverentiam  describens,  quarn  dii  prajstent 
Apollini,  ipsum  deum  eo  habitu,  auditoribus  ostendit,  quo  ille  maxinie 
est  admirabilis.”  Ilerm.  • 

^  i.  e.  acknowledging  his  immortality  by  offering  the  drink  of  the  gods. 
Ilor.  Od.  iii.  3,  12,  “  Quos  inter  Augustus  recumbens  ihirpureo  bibit  oro 
nectar.”  Cf.  Virg.  Eel.  iv.  G3,  iEn.  i.  83.  and  Ilernsterhus.  on  Lucian, 
Dial.  Deor.  vol.  ii.  p.  2.59,  ed.  Bii)ont.  llelladius  apud  Phot.  j).  8GG, 
v'tKTap  ov  flip  i<TTi  dvpardp  toi(^  OpijTOiQ  touHcti  toiq  KTHPOfikpoi<^  fiCTua-' 
XtTp. 


350 


HYMNS. 


[12—43. 


sit  down  here,  and  venerable  Latona  rejoices,  for  tliat  she  lias 
borne  a  bo\v-bcai‘ino:  and  valiant  son.  Hail!  O  blest  Lato- 
na,  since  thou  hast  brought  forth  glorious  children,  both  king 
Apollo,  and  shaft-delighting  Diana,  her  indeed  in  Ortygia, 
but  him  in  rugged  Delos, reclining  against  the  long  mount- 
ain  and  the  hill  of  Cynthus,  near  a  palm-tree,  beneath  the 
streams  of  Inopus.  For  how  shall  I  hymn  thee,  who  art  al¬ 
together  worthy  to  be  hymned,  for  by  thee,  O  Phoebus,  in 
every  strain  of  song  allotted,^  both  through  the  calf-nurturing 
main  land  and  through  the  isles.  And  all  the  high  watches 
and  lofty  summits  of  towering  mountains  please  thee,  and  the 
rivers  which  run  onward  into  the  ocean,  [ind  the  shores 
stretched  down  to  the  sea,  and  the  harbors  of  the  sea.  Shall 
I  sing  how  first  Latona  bore  thee,  a  delight  to  mortals,  having 
reclined  against  mount  Cynthus  in  a  rugged  isle,  in  sea-girt 
Delos ;  while  on  both  sides  the  dark  billow  went  forth  against 
the  land  with  clear-breathing  winds.  Starting  from  hence, ^ 
thou  rulest  over  all  mortals,  as  many  as  Crete  contains  with¬ 
in,  and  the  people  of  Athens,  and  the  island  of  Hilgina,  and 
ship-renowned  Euboea,  and  .iEgas,'^  and  Iresim,  and  Peparethus 
near  the  sea,  and  Thracian  Athos,  and  the  lofty  heads  of  Pe- 
lion,  and  Thracian  Samos,  and  the  shadowy  mountains  of  Ida, 
Scyrus,  and  Phocoea,  and  the  high  mountain  of  Autocanc, 
and  well-built  Imbrus,  and  Lemnos  destitute  of  harbor,  and 
divine  Lesbos,  the  dwelling  of  Macar  the  son  of  H^lolus,  and 
Chios,  which  lies  in  the  sea,  the  richest  of  isles,  and  irregular® 
hlimas,  and  the  lofty  heads  of  Corycus,  and  splendid  Claros, 
and  the  high  mountain  of  JEsagea,®  and  watery  Samos,  and 
the  lofty  heads  of  JMycale,  and  Miletus,  and  Cos,  the  city  of 
articulate-speaking^®  men,  and  lofty  Cnidus,  and  windy  Car- 

*  Sec  Spanl).  on  Ciillim.  in  Apoll.  GO,  in  Del.  2r)5. 

^  But  Hermann  reads  doid>}g  .  .  .  voixoq. 

®  After  vs.  29,  there  is  probably  a  lacuna. 

’  Hermann  shows  that  this  is  the  Achaian  JEgx,  mentioned  in  II. 
viii.  203,  not  the 'city  of  Euboea. 

“  Hermann  renders  TranraXotig  “tortuosus,”  and  says  that  it  is  so 
called  “  a  multiplici  littorum  flexu.” 

“  Bnhnken  would  read  ’Aiyayh]£,  which  is  a  mountain  in  Asia.  The 
other  name  is  found  nowhere. 

But  Holstcnius  on  Steph.  p.  18G,  G,  considers  fiepoTrujv  as  a  proper 
name.  Ijf  so,  translate,  “the  city  of  the  Mcropcs.’ 


44—72.] 


I.  TO  APOLLO. 


351 


pathus,  and  Naxos,  and  Paros,  and  rocky  Klienea.  Over  so^’ 
great  [an  extent  of  country]  went  Latona,  about  to  bring 
forth  the  P^ar-Darter,  [seeking]  whether  any  one  Avas  willing 
to  afford  a  dwelling  to  her,  a  chikP"  of  the  earth.  But  these 
[lands]  trembled  much,  and  dreaded,  nor  'did  any  one  dare  to 
receive  Phoebus,  although  being  very  fertile,  until  that  vener¬ 
able  Latona  came  to  Delos,  and  questioning  her,^^  spoke  wing¬ 
ed  words : 

“O  Delos,  if  thou  art  not  willing^^  to  be  the  dAvelling  of 
my  son  Phoebus  Apollo,  and  to  erect  a  wealthy  temple,  no 
other  shall  ever  touch,  nor  entyeat^^  thee,  nor  do  I  think  that 
thou  wilt  be  rich  in  beeves,  nor  in  sheep,  nor  wilt  thou  bear 
a  harvest,  nor  produce  countless  plants.  But  if  thou  wilt 
possess  a  temple  of  far-darting  Apollo,  all  men,  assembling 
hither,  shall  escort  to  thee  hecatombs,  and  to  thee  shall  there 
ever  be  a  mighty  savor,  [if  thou  wilt  long’°  cherish  thy  king, 
and  the  gods  shall  preserve  thee  from  the  hands  of  others, 
since  thou  hast  not  a  fertile  soil.]” 

Thus  she  spoke,  and  Delos  rejoiced,  and  ansAvering  address¬ 
ed  her:  “Latona,  most  glorious,  daughter  of  mighty  Cronus, 
joyfully  indeed  Avould  I  receive  the  birth  of  the  far-darting 
king,  for  I  indeed  have  too  ill  a  report  among  men,  but  thus 
I  should  become  greatly  honored.  But  this  thing  I  dread,  O 
Latona,  nor  Avill  I  conceal  it  from  thee.  P'or  they  say  that 
Apollo  Avill  be  A’ery  haughty,  and  Avill  lord  it  greatly  over  the 
immortals,  and  ov’cr  mortal  men  upon  the  bounteous  earth. 
AVherefore  I  greatly  dread  in  my  mind  and  soul,  lest,  Avhen 
he  first  beholds  the  light  of  the  sun,  he  Avill  despise  the  island, 


This  is  Barnes’s  excellent  emendation. 


The  order  is  IttI  rCaaov 


'iKiTO. 

I  ean  not  sec  how  this  term  applies  to  Latona.  Hermann’s  reading 
yaisujv  tOiXoi  vii  does  not  remoA'e  the  difficulty.  Perhaps  avc  should 
read  tiq  ol  yadujv  vib(j  GiXoi  oIksu  OiaOai. 

Delos  is  here  personified. 

I  have  translated  Ernesti’s  emendation  ft  y  ovk  WeXuc,  but  am 
hardly  yet  satisfied.  Hermann  reads  u  yap  k  WiXoic,  but  a  negative  is 
evidently  required  by  what  follows. 

Ituhnken  would  read  ovds  a  arlaasi,  contemnet.  Ernesti  prefers 
rim  “nee  te  honorc,  bencficio  adficict.”  This  seems  probable,  as  the 
mistake  might  easily  arise  from  the  duplication  of  the  a. 

Any  thing  more  frigid  than  the  phrase  b7]pov  can  not  be  imagined. 
Perhaps  IXifXip  is  the  true  reading,  agreeing  with  rot  in  the  preceding 
line.  Hermann  has  bracketed  both  this  and  the  following  verse. 


[72—98. 


o 

o 


HYMJs^S. 


because  1  am  of  a  rugged  soil,  and,  having  overturned  it  with 
his  feet,  spurn  it  into  the  billows  of  the  deep,  where  me,  in¬ 
deed,  the  mighty  wave  will  ever  wash  over  the  head;  but  he 
will  go  to  another  land,  which  may  please  him  to  build  a  tem¬ 
ple  and  foliaged  grove.  But  in  me  the  polypuses  and  black 
sea-calves  will  make  their  unpleasing  abodes,  through  lack  of 
people.  But  if,  O  goddess,  thou  wouldst  endure  to  swear 
unto  me  a*mighty  oath,  that  he  will  here  first  erect  a  bcfiutc- 
ous  tcm})le,  to  be  a  place  of  oracles  for  men,  but  afterward 
among  all  men,  since  he  is  of  many  nanies.”^’^ 

Thus  she  spoke  ;  and  Latona  swore  the  mighty  oath  of  the 
gods  [thus] :  “  Now  may  the  earth  and  wide  heaven  above 
be  witness  to  these  things,  and  the  down-flowing  water  of  the 
Styx  (which  is  the  mightiest  and  most  dreadful  oath  to  the 
blessed  gods),  truly  here  shall  there  always  be  an  incense-altar 
and  inclosure  of  Phoebus,  and  he  shall  honor  thee  above  all.” 
But  when  indeed  she  had  sworn,  and  had  ended  the  oath,  De¬ 
los  rejoiced  much  at  the  birth^®  of  the  far-darting  king.  But 
Latona  for  nine  days  and  nine  nights  was  pierced  with  unex¬ 
pected  throes,  and  all  the  goddesses  Avere  within^^  [with  her], 
as  many  as  were  best,  both  Dione,  and  Rhea,  and  lchna?an‘“^^ 
Themis,  and  loud-resounding  Amphitrite,  and  the  other  im¬ 
mortals  save  only  white-armed  Juno;  for  she  sat  in  the  pal¬ 
ace  of  cloud-compelling  Jove,  and  birth-presiding  Ilythia 
alone^^  had  not  known  [of  her  labor].  For  she  Avas  sitting 


Ernesti  understands  “  turn  ego  utique  to  libenter,  rcccperiin,”  from 
A'ss.  G2,  63.  Hermann  thinks  there  is  a  lacuna. 

i.  e.  at  the  prospect  of  being  liis  birth-idace,  for  he  was  not  yet  born. 
Hermann  reads  tvOade  for  tvdoOi.  The  latter  ])hrase  could  be  un¬ 
derstood,  if  Latona  had  been  regularly  brought  to  bed  in  a  palace  or 
dwelling,  and,  in  my  oi)inion,  it  is  metaphorically  used,  as  though  such 
were  really  the  case.  Chapman  has  well  expressed  the  idea : 

“Latona,  thou  nine  days  and  nights  did  fall 
In  hopeless  labor,  at  xvhose  birth  were  all 
Heaven’s  most  supreme  and  worthy  goddesses.” 

The  reader  will  perhaps  call  to  mind  the  delivery  of  Sabra  in  the  “  Sev- 
en  Champions,”  where  there  is  a  similar  attendance  of  heathen  goddess¬ 
es,  amusingly  brought  to  the  aid  of  the  Christian  knight’s  lady. 

So  called  from  the  city  lchna;a.  Steph.  Hyz.  s.  j).  340,  ed.  Pined. 
iXvaia  i)  Oifiuj'  ei(OKoi.iLrt]  -yap  i'tto  too  Aibi;,  KaTtXticpOi]  tv  rohj  ruiv 
’ixraiojv  tottoiq.  Kai  (itto  tov  dioJxOijvat  tear  ujvopuaOt}.  See 

Alberti  on  Hesych.  t.  ii.  p.  88,  and  Muller,  Dor.  a'oI.  i.  j).  471,  note, 
Append,  i.  §  5. 

There  is  much  inelegance  in  vua^iv  \.  "Hrjr/c  and  povvtj  ovit 


21 


98—120.] 


I.  TO  APOLLO. 


353 


beneath  the  golden  clouds  on  lofty  Olympus,  through  the  de¬ 
vices  of  white-armed  Juno,  who  kept  her  back^^  through 
envy,  because  fair-haired  Latona  was  then  about  to  bring 
forth  a  blameless  and  mighty  son.  Hut  they  sent  Iris  from  the 
well-built  island,  to  bring  Ilithyia,  promising  [to  her  as  a  gift] 
a  mighty  necklace  woven  with  golden  threads,  nine  cubits  [in 
length].  But  they  ordered  [Iiis]  to  call  her  apart  from  white- 
.armed  Juno,  lest  she  should  then  by  words  divert  her  from 
going.  But  when  Iris,  with  feet  swift  as  the  wind,  heard  this, 
she  set  out  to  run,  and  swiftly  passed  through  all  the  midst. 
But  when  she  reached  the  dwelling  of  the  gods,  lofty  Olym¬ 
pus,  straightway  having  called  Ilithyia  out  of  doors  from  the 
'  house,  she  addressed  [to  her]  winged  words,  in  all  exactly  as 
the  possessors  of  the  Olympian  dwellings  had  enjoined.  And 
she  persuaded  her  mind  within  her  breast,  and  they  both  set 
out,  like  in  step  to  timid  does.  But  when  Ilithyia,  who  pre¬ 
sides  over  labor,  reached  Delos,  then  indeed  labor  seized  [La¬ 
tona],  and  she  was  ready  to  bring  forth.  And  she  threw  her 
arms  around  the  palin,^^  and  rested  her  knees  on  the  soft 
ineadow,  and  the  earth  smiled  beneath.  And  he  leaped  forth 
into  the  light,  and  all  the  goddesses  gave  a  shout.^^  There, 
O  archer  ITimbus,  the  goddesses  washed  thee^^  in  the  fair 

tTreTTvcxTo,  K.  r.  X.  I  can  not  help  thinking  that  ?}(Tro  yap  tv  ptyapoan 
Aibg  vttptXpytTtpdo  is  a  clumsy  addition  by  a  sciolist  who  thought  it 
necessary  to  state  where  Juno  was.  At  all  events  vs.  99  renders  it  'ut¬ 
terly  redundant  and  pointless, 

i.  e.  prevented  her  attending  upon  Latona. 

The  reason  of  this  is  not  badly  explained  by  the  Schol.  on  Apollon. 
Ilh.  i.  1131,  tUog  icri  raXg  Kvovaaig  tCjv  7rapaKup.tvu)V  XapfidvtoQaij 
Kal  cnroKov(p'iZ,HV  tavrdg  tujv  dXyijdovwv'  I'og  Kai  A?]r(b  iXdjJero  rov 
^on'LKog.  lleference  is  also  made  to  the  present  passage  in  Theognis,  5, 
<poX(ii  dva^,  ore  p'tv  at  Otd  rtKt  TVOTVia  A?;r(u  i>o'iviicog  paSivrjg 
i^a-^apivp  ;  and  Callim.  in  Del.  208,  Avaaro  St  ^ujvrjv,  aTro  d’  tKXiOT} 
tfiiraXiv  wpoig  fpolviKog  ttoti  Trptpvov,  dppxavhjg  vtto  Xvyppg  Ttipopsvp. 
The  same  tree  is  mentioned  in  Odvss.  vi.  1G2,  and  was  said  to  be  in  ex- 
istence  in  the  time  of  Plinv,  Hist,  Nat.  xiv.  44. 

Job  xxxviii.  7,  “When  the  morning  stars  sang  together,  and  all 
the  sous  of  God  shouted  for  joy.” 

“And  thee,  O  archer  Plioebus,  with  waves  clear 
Wash’d  sweetly  ov'er,  swaddled  with  sincere 
And  spotless  swath-l)ands  ;  and  made  them  to  flow 
About  thy  breast,  a  mantle,  white  as  snow ; 

Fine,  and  new  made ;  and  cast  a  vail  of  gold 
Over  thy  foreliead.” 


Chapman. 


354 


HYMNS. 


[121—150. 


5fater  purely  and  liolily,  and  swaddled  thee  in  a  white  robe, 
fine,  beautiful,  and  around  they  put  on  a  golden  roller.^^  xSor 
in  truth  did  his  mother  suckle  gold-falchioned  Apollo,  but 
Themis  with  her  immortal  hands  oftered  him  nectar  and 
pleasant  ambrosia,  and  Latona  rejoiced,  because  she  had 
brought  forth  a  bow-bearing  and  valiant  son.  Hut  when,  O 
Thoebus,  thou  hadst  tasted  the  immortal  food,  no  longer  did 
the  golden  swaddling-clothes  hold  thee  panting,  nor  did  the 
bandage  keep  thee,  but  all  the  restraints  were  broken.  And 
straightway  Phoebus  Apollo  spake  among  the  immortals: 
“  May  a  lyre  and  bending  bow  be  mine,  and  I  will  declare  to 
men  the  unerring  counsel  of  Jove.”^'? 

Having  spoken  thus,  Phoebus  the  far-darting,  with  unshorn 
locks,  went  from  the  wide-wayed  earth,  and  all  the  immortal 
goddesses  were  terrified. But  then  all  Delos  became  heavy 
with  gold,2^  beholding  the  offspring  of  Jove  and  Latona ;  re¬ 
joicing,  because  the  god  had  chosen  it  out  of  the  islands  and 
the  main  land,  to  settle  [in  it]  his  dwelling,  and  had  loved  it 
more  from  his  heart.^'^  It  flourished,  as  when  the  summit  of 
a  mountain  [flourishes]  with  the  blossoms  of  the  wood.  But 
thou  thyself,  O  thou  of  the  silver  bow,  far-darting  king  Apollo, 
sometimes  indeed  didst  walk  on  rocky  Cynthus,  and  sometimes 
thou  wouldst  flee  to  the  islands  and  their  inhabitants  Thine 
are  full  many  temples  and  foliaged  groves,  and  all  the  high 
rocks  are  dear  [to  thee],  and  the  lofty  summits  of  towering 
mountains,  and  the  rivers  that  flow  on  into  the  sea.  But  thou, 
O  Phoebus,  art  chiefly  delighted  in  heart  at  Delos.  Tliere 
the  long-trained  lonians  are  assembled  in  honor  of  thee,  with 
their  children^^  respected  wives.  But  they,  mindful,  de¬ 
light  thee  with  boxing,  and  dancing,  and  song,  when  they  be- 

i.  c.  a  swath-band  decked  or  woven  with  gold. 

Cf.  A^sch.  Eum.  19,  with  Stanley’s  note.  So  in  Callimachus  in 
Dian.  G,  Diana  claims  her  prerogative  from  her  father  Zeus.  On  these 
offices  of  Apollo,  cf.  pseud-Orpheus,  hymn,  xxxiv.  p.  295,  cd.  Ilerm. 

Cf.  vs.  2,  and  Muller,  Dorians,  Bk.  ii.  ch.  G,  p.  315.  In  the  pre¬ 
ceding  line  Matthim  riglitly  reads  Ini  for  n7ro. 

This  is  expressed  by  Callimachus  in  his  usual  exaggerated  style,  in 
Del.  vs.  2 GO,  sqq. 

Call.  ibid.  2G9,  Ai'jXiog  ’Att6\\u)v  KtK\r,<TeTai,  oiids  Tig  aWt]  Faiciujy- 
Toaaoi’Os  df(p  7r(^i\))(TtTcu  dAXfp. 

liut  Hermann  on  Vig.  p.  718,  and  Ilgen,  understand  dvtpag  of  the 
inliabitants  of  the  main  land,  in  contradistinction  to  vijirovg. 

Hermann  riglitlv  reads  cwToiaiv  Traidtaci. 

O  n 


151—179.] 


I.  TO  APOLLO. 


355 


gin  the  contest.  A  man  would  say  that  they  were  immortal 
and  without  age,  the  lonians  who  are  then  assembled  I  oppo- 
sitef  thec.'"^  For  he  would  perceive  the  pleasure  of  all,  and 
would  be  delighted  in  inijid,  both  contemplating  the  men,  and 
the  well-girt  women,  and  the  swift  ships,  and  their  many  pos¬ 
sessions.  And  besides  these,  this  mighty  marvel,  the  glory  of 
which  shall  never  perish,  the  Delian  girls,  the  servants^^  of 
the  Far-Darter,  who,  after  they  have  first  chanted  Apollo  in 
liymns,  and  then  Latona  and  shaft-rejoicing  Diana,  calling  to 
mind  the  heroes  and  heroines  of  old,  sing  a  hymn,  and  charm 
tlie  crowds  of  men.  And  they  ken  how  to  imitate  the  voices 
and  modulations^  of  all  men.  And  each  single  man  would 
say  that  he  himself  spoke,  so  beautiful  a  song  is  contrived  by 
them.  But  come  now,  O  Latona,  and  Apollo,  with  Diana, 
and  hail  all  of  you  And  be  mindful  of  me  hereafter  also, 
when  any  one  of  earthly  men,  coming  hither  as  a  sad  stranger, 
shall  ask  :  “  O  virgins,  what  man  among  you  dwells  here,  the 
sweetest  of  bards,  and  in  whom  do  ye  take  most  delight?’’ 
But  do  ye  all  answer,  “  [He  is]  of  us,  a  blind  man,  and  he 
dwells  at  rocky  Chios,  whose  songs  shall  all  hereafter  excel. 
But  we'^'^  shall  bear  our  own  renown  [with  us],  how  far  so¬ 
ever  over  the  earth  we  shall  visit  the  well-inhabited  cities  of 
men.”  And  they  will  be  persuaded,  since  it  is  also  true. 
But  I  will  not  cease  hymning  far-darting  Apollo  of  the  silver 
bow,  whom  fair-haired  Latona  bore. 

O  king,^^  thou  who  possesscst  both  Lycia,  and  pleasant  Ma3- 

Hermann,  after  Ilgen,  reads  oc  tot  iiravTicwti ,  or  ’laovfQ  ciOpooi 
fltv,  wiiich  seems  the  most  satisfactory  reading  yet  })ro])osed. 

Cf.  Callim.  in  Del.  290,  sqq.  See  Ernesti. 

The  following  translation  of  these  beautiful  lines  is  given  in  Cole¬ 
ridge,  p.  280 : 

“  Virgins  !  farewell — and  oh  !  remember  me 
Hereafter,  when  some  stranger  from  the  sea, 

A  hapless  wanderer,  may  your  isle  explore. 

And  ask  you,  maids,  of  all  the  bards  you  boast. 

Who  sings  the  sweetest,  and  delights  you  most — 

O  !  answer  all — ‘A  blind  old  man  and  ])Oor — 

Sweetest  he  sings — and  dwells  on  Chios’  rocky  shore  !”’ 

These  lines  are  quoted  by  Thucydides,  iii.  104. 

Huhnken  would  omit  these  four  verses,  which  Hermann,  I  think, 
vainly  defends. 

Here  begins  the  hymn  to  the  Pythian  Apollo,  of  which  IMiiller,  Gk. 
Lit.  vii.  §  4,  observes,  “it  belongs  to  a  time  when  the  Pythian  sanctuary 
was  still  in  the  territory  of  Crissa:  of  the  hostility  between  the  Pythian 


356 


HYMNS. 


[180--210. 


onia,  and  Miletus,  a  maritime,  pleasant  city,  and  who  also^^ 
rulest  mightily  over  sea-washed  Delos.  But  the  son  of  all-re¬ 
nowned  Latona  goes  to  rocky  Pytho,  playing  on  his  hollow 
harp,  wearing  immortal  incense-scented  garments,  while  liis 
harp  beneath  the  golden  quilP*^  utters  a  pleasant  twang.  But 
hence  from  the  earth  he  goes  to  lieaven,  when  [he  has]  the 
mind,  to  the  house  of  Jove,  after  the  assemblage  of  the  other 
gods ;  and  straightway  the  harp  and  song  are  a  care  to  mor¬ 
tals.  The  muses  indeed,  all  at  once  answering  with  beauteous 
voice,  sing  the  immortal  gifts  of  the  gods,  and  the  sufferings  of 
men,  as  many  things  as  they  possessing  at  the  hands  of  the 
immortal  gods,  live  destitute  of  counseP^  and  resources,  nor 
are  able  to  find  a  remedy  for  death  and  a  defense  against  age. 
But  the  fair- tressed  Graces,  and  the  wise  Hours,  and  Har¬ 
mony,  and  Hebe,  and  Venus,  the  daughter  of  Jove,  dance, 
holding  each  others’  hands  by  the  wrist.  To  them  no  mean 
nor  triviaP^  [songstress]  plays,  but  shaft-rejoicing  Dian,  the 
foster-sister  of  Apollo,  most  mighty  to  behold,  and  in  aspect 
wondrous.  Here  again  with  them  sport  Mars  and  well-watch¬ 
ing  Mercury,  but  Phcebus  Apollo  strikes  the  harp,  taking 
grand  and  lofty  steps,  and  a  shining  haze  surrounds  him,  and 
glittering  of  feet,  and  of  his  well-fitted  tunic.  And  both 
golden-tressed  Latona  and  deep-planning  Jove  are  delighted 
at  it,  as  they  perceive  his  mighty  mind,  their  darling  son 
sporting  among  the  immortal  gods. 

How  then  shall  I  hymn  thee  who  art  altogether  worthy  to 
be  hymned  ?  Shall  I  sing  of  thee  among  suitors  and  love, 
how  once  on  a  time,  wooing, thou  didst  approach  the  Aza- 
nian  girl,  in  company  with  godlike  Ischys,  the  son  of  Elation, 

priests  and  the  Crissreans,  whieh  afterward  led  to  the  war  of  tlie  Am])hic- 
tyons  against  the  city  of  Crissa  (in  Olymp.  47),  there  is  no  trace;  a 
})assage  also  sliows  that  horse-races  had  not  as  yet  been  introduced  at 
the  Pytliian  games,  which  began  immediately  after  the  Crisstean  war : 
the  ancient  Pythian  contests  had  been  confined  to  music.” 

Hermann  says  that  abrog  is  ideas. 

The  plectrum,  with  which  the  strings  of  the  lyre  were  struck.  Pol¬ 
lux,  iv.  9,  3.  The  modern  mandolin  is  played  in  the  same  manner. 

Barnes  rightly  reads 

Head  ovT  kXdx^ict  with  Barnes,  as  in  Od.  ix.  110,  etc. 

Hermann  reads  brnror  dyau)iitvog,  observing,  “  indignatum  coro- 
nidi  Apollinem  constat.”  So  Horn.  Od.  xx.  10,  dyaiojiivob  kukii  ipya. 
This  certainly  approaches  the  vestiges  of  the  old  reading,  di^cjufuvog. 
The  present  one,  adoj)ted  by  Ernesti,  is  due  to  Bernard  Martin. 


211— 23G.] 


I.  TO  APOLLO. 


357 


of  noble  steeds,  or  with  Pliorbas,  son  of  Tropiis,'^*^  or  with 
Ereutheus,  or  with  Leucippus,  and  the  wife  of  Leucippus, 
[thou]  on  foot,  but  he  with  steeds?  fNor  yet  was  Triopus 
Avanting.f  Or  [shall  I  sing]  how  first  seeking  an  oracle  for 
men,  thou  didst  traverse  the  earth,  O  far-darting  Apollo  ? 
Eor  thou  first  wentest  down  from  Olympus  in  Fieria,  and 
didst  pass  over  sandy  Lecton,'^^  and  the  Magnesians,  and 
through  the  Perrha3bians.  And  quickly  didst  thou  reach 
lolcus,  and  come  to  Cenceum  in  ship-renowned  Euboea.  And 
thou  didst  stand  upon  the  Lelantian  plain,  which  pleased  not 
thy  mind  so  that  thou  shouldst  [there]  erect  a  temple  and 
foliaged  wood.  But  from  hence,  O  far-darting  Apollo,  hav¬ 
ing  crossed  the  Euripus,  thou,  divine  one,  wentest  over  the 
verdant  mountain,^^  and  quickly  earnest  from  it  to  Mycales- 
sus  and  grassy-couched  Teumessus.  And  thou  earnest  to  the 
land  of  Thebe  clad  with  woods ;  for  not  yet  did  any  one  of 
mortals  dwell  in  sacred  Tliebe,  nor  were  there  as  yet  any 
roads  or  ways  through  the  wheat-bearing  plain  of  Thebe,  but  it 
was  overgrown  with  wood.'*"  }>ut  from  hence,  O  far-darting 
Apollo,  thou  wentest  onward,  and  didst  reach  Onchestus,  the 
splendid  wood  of  Xeptune,  where  a  newly-broken  foal  breathes 
again,  laden  as  he  is,'*®  dragging  the  handsome  chariot,  and 
the  driver,  though  skillful,  falling  from  the  chariot  to  the 
ground,  goes  on  his  way.  But  they  so  long  indeed  rattle 
along  the  chariot,  having  cast  off  their  ruler.  But  if  indeed 
he  guides  his  chariot  into  the  foliaged  grove,'*®  they  rub  down 

Read  TptoTrfw  yh^o^  with  Ilgen.  Hermann  transposes  vss.  211,  212, 
and  thinks,  with  reason,  tliat  there  is  a  lacuna  after  vs.  212,  and  also 
after  vs.  214,  the  next  line  probably  commencing  with  vid£,  depending 
on  TpiOTTOQ. 

But  Ilgen  and  Matthias  read  ’HpaQlrjv  re  Trapecrrixf^g  y)d’  'Eviijvag. 
For  Asktov  Hermann  reads  Avjkov,  which  was  a  city  near  Einathia. 

Hermann  marks  a  lacuna  after  vs.  222.  The  mountain  was  Mes- 
sapius  in  Boeotia. 

v\r],  Barnes’s  correction,  seems  necessary  to  the  sense.  But  the 
whole  line  appears  to  me  a  clumsy  repetition  from  vs.  225. 

Ilgen  reads  Kpp  =  “p^iiued  to  the  soul,”  which  is  approved  by  Her¬ 
mann.  But  there  is  no  occasion  to  alter  the  old  reading,  if  we  translate 
dvaTTvsH  “recovers  his  spirits,”  i.  e.  does  not  give  way.  So  Chapman, 

“Where  new-tamed  horse  bred,  nourish  nerves  so  rare 
That  still  they  frolic,  though  they  travail’d  arc 
Never  so  sore — ” 

**  I  um  more  inclined  to  siqipose  something  wanting  here. 


358 


HYMNS. 


[23G-2GG. 


their  steeds,  but  leave  the  chariots,  having  tilted  them.^*^ 
For  thus  at  the  first  was  the  religious  custom;  but  they  pray 
to  king  [Apollo],  and  then  the  destiny  of  the  gods  saves  the 
chariot.  But  from  hence  thou  wentest  onward,  O  far-dart¬ 
ing  Apollo,  and  thou  didst  next  reach  fair-streamed  Cephisus, 
which  pours  forth  fair-flowing  water  from  Lilasum.  Hav¬ 
ing  passed  over  tliis,  O  Far-Darter,  and  over  well-turreted 
Ocalea,  thou  earnest  from  thence  to  grassy  Ilaliartus.  And 
thou  wentest  on  to  Delphusa,^^  whore  the  harmless  country 
pleased  thee,  that  thou  shouldst  erect  a  temple  and  foliaged 
grove.  And  thou  stoodest  very  near  her  and  addressed  her 
in  words : 

“Delphusa,  here  indeed  I  design  to  build  a  very  beautiful 
temple,  as  a  shrine  for  men,  who  in  my  honor  shall  ever  bring 
perfect  hecatombs  hither,  ay,  as  many  [men]  as  possess  rich 
Peloponnesus,  and  as  many  as  [dwell  in]  Europe  and  the  sea¬ 
girt  isles,  in  quest  of  oracles.  But  to  them  all  will  I  declare 
unerring  counsel,  giving  responses  in  my  rich  temple.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  Phoebus  Apollo  began  to  lay  down 
the  foundations,  wide,  and  very  long  in  extent.  But  Dclphu- 
sa,  perceiving,  was  wroth  at  heart,  and  spake  thus : 

“  Phoebus  !  far-darting  king,  what  word  shall  I  speak  to  thy 
mind  ?  since  thou  designest  to  build  here  a  very  beautiful  tem¬ 
ple,  to  be  a  shrine  for  men,  who  indeed  shall  always  bring 
hither  to  thee  perfect  hecatombs.  But  I  will  speak  out  to 
thee,  and  do  thou  cast  it  in  thy  mind  ;  the  noise  of  fleet  steeds 
shall  ever  harass  thee,  and  the  [noise  of  the]  mules  coming 
to  water  from  my  sacred  fountains.  Here  any  one  of  men 
will  ratlicr  wish  to  behold  the  well-wrought  chariots  of  men, 
and  the  rattling  of  swift-footed  steeds,*^  than  a  great  temple 

50  “  Currus  solutis  equis  reclinatos  rclinquimt,”  Ernesti.  If  we  con¬ 
sider  the  light  make  of  the  old  Grecian  chariots,  and  that  they  had  but 
two  wheels,  this  operation  will  appear  easy. 

51  Q^.  I’elphusa,”  which  orthography  is  followed  by  Hermann,  Grote, 
and  others. 

52  “While  seeking  a  site  for  a  temple  in  Bceotia,  Apollo  is  recom¬ 
mended  by  a  water-goddess,  Tilphussa  or  Dclphussa,  to  ])lace  it  in  the 
territory  of  Crissa,  in  the  ravine  of  rarnassus:  her  advice  being  prompt¬ 
ed  by  the  malicious  hoi)e  that  a  dangerous  serpent,  which  abode  there, 
would  destroy  the  youthful  god.  Apollo  accepts  her  counsel,  but  frus¬ 
trates  her  intent :  he  founds  his  temi)lc  in  this  solitary  glen,  slays  the 
dragon,  and  then  punishes  Tilphussa  by  stopping  up  her  fountain.” 
Muller,  Gk.  Lit.  1.  c.  §  4. 


2GG— 305.] 


I.  TO  APOLLO. 


359 


and  many  possessions  within  it.  But  if  thou  wilt  be  per¬ 
suaded  (but  thou  art  greater  and  braver,  O  king,  than  I  am, 
and  thy  strength  is  mightiest),  erect  for  thyself  [a  temple]  in 
Crissa,  beneath  the  folds  of  Parnassus,  where  neither  are  the 
handsome  chariots  shaken  along,  nor  will  there  be  a  noise  of 
swift-footed  steeds  around  thy  well-built  altar.  And  even 
tlius  the  glorious  tribes  of  men  will  bring  offerings  to  lo-Pasan, 
and  do  thou,  rejoicing  in  thy  mind,  receive  the  fair  offerings 
of  the  neighboring  men.” 

Thus  speaking,  she  persuaded  the  mind  of  the  Far-Darter, 
that  to  Delphusa  there  should  be  her  own  renown  o’er  the 
earth,  and  not  that  of  the  Far-Darter.  But  from  hence  thou 
wentest  onward,  O  far-darting  Apollo,  and  thou  earnest  into 
the  city  of  the  insolent  Plegyan  men,  who,  caring  not  for  Jove, 
dwelt  upon  the  earth  in  a  beauteous  dell,  near  the  lake  of 
Cephissus.  From  hence  thou  swiftly  earnest  rushing^^  to  the 
rock,  and  thou  didst  reach  Crissa,®^  below  snowy  Parnassus, 
turned  at  its  base  toward  the  west,  but  above  the  rock  is  sus¬ 
pended  aloft,  and  a  rugged,  hollow  cave  runs  below,  flere 
king  Phoebus  Apollo  resolved  to  construct  a  pleasant  temple, 
and  thus  he  spoke:  ‘‘Here  indeed  I  design  to  build  a  very 
beautiful  temple,  to  be  a  shrine  of  cracles  for  mea  who  shall 
always  bring  hither  to  me  perfect  hecatombs,  ay,  as  many 
[men]  as  possess  rich  Peloponnesue,  and  as  many  as  [dwell 
in]  Europe^'*’  and  the  sea-girt  isles,  coming  in  quest  of  oracles. 
But  to  them  all  will  I  declare  unerring  counsel,  giving  re- 
S2:)onses  in  my  rich  temple.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  Phoebus  Apoifo  began  to  lay  down  the 
foundations,  wide,  and  very  long  in  extent.  And  upon  them 
Trophonius  and  Agamedes,  the  sons  of  Erginus,  dear  to  tho 
immortal  gods,  laid  a  stone  threshold.  But  innumerable 
troops  of  men  built  the  temple  around  with  hewn  stones,  so 
that  it  should  ever  be  a  subject  of  song.  And  near  it  [is]  the 
fair-flowing  fountain,  where  the  royal  son  of  Jove,  with  his 
strong  bow,  slew  the  serpent,  a  stoutly-nourished,  mighty,  a 
savage  portent,  which  did  many  ills  to  men  upon  the  earth, 
many  to  themselves,  and  many  to  their  long-footed  sheejv 
since  it  was  a  blood-thirsty  bane.  jAnd  once  on  a  time  hav* 

But  Ilerniann  reads  9tlojv  for  Ovmv. 

ISec  Muller,  Dorians,  vol.  i.  p.  238,  sqq. 

On  this  early  mention  of  Europe  as  a  territory,  sec  Perm. 


3G0 


HYMNS. 


[305 — 335. 


ing  received  from  golden-throned,  dreadful,  and  grievous 
Typhaon,  a  bane  to  mortals,!^®  whom  once  Juno  brought 
forth,  enraged  against  father  Jove,  when  indeed  the  son  of 
Saturn  begat  glorious  Minerva  in  the  top  of  his  head,  and 
hallowed  Juno  was  enraged,  and  she  also  spoke  among  the 
assembled  immortals :  “  Hear  me  both  all  ye  gods  and  all  ye 
goddesses,  how  cloud-compelling  Jove  begins  to  insult  me  first, 
since  he  made  me  his  wife,  knowing  prudent  things.  And 
now  apart  from  me  has  he  given  birth  to  dark-eyed  Minerva, 
who  is  conspicuous  among  all  the  blessed  immortals.  But 
my  son  Vulcan  has  been  rendered  lame  among  all  the  gods, 
being  halt  as  to  his  feet,  whom  I  myself  hurled  down,  seizing 
him  with  my  hands,  and  cast  into  the  wide  sea.^"^  But  him 
Thetis,  the  silver-footed  daughter  of  Nereus,  received,  and 
led  to  her  own  sisters.  tWould  that  she  might  grant  anoth¬ 
er  favor  to  the  blessed  godslf^®  Wretch!  crafty-planncr  1 
what  else  dost  thou  now  devise?  How  daredst  thou  alone 
produce  dark-eyed  Minerva?  I  have  not  become  a  mother, 
and  yet  I  have  been  called  thy  [wife]  among  the  immortals, 
who  possess  the  wide  heaven.  And  now,t  therefore,  will  I 
try  some  device,  so  tliat  a  son  may  be  mine,®^  who  may  excel 
among  the  immortal  gods,  neither  dishonoring  thy  sacred 
couch,  nor  mine  own.  Nor  will  I  go  to  the  couch  with  thee, 
but  being  far  away  from  thee,  I  will  be  among  the  immortal 
gods.’’*"*^ 

Thus  speaking,  she  went  far  away  from  the  gods,  enraged 
as  she  was,®^  and  straightway  large-eyed  venerable  Venus 
prayed,  and  with  pressed-down  hand  she  smote  the  earth, 
and  said :  “  Hear  now  me,  earth,  and  wide  heaven  above, 
and  ye  Titan  gods,®-^'  who  dwelling  beneath  the  earth  f around 

Itiilinken  would  omit  these  two  lines,  and  with  reason. 

See  my  note  on  11.  xviii.  395,  sqcp 

This  line  is  far  from  satisfactory. 

Hermann  well  renders,  “ut  mens  aliquis  nascatur  filiiis.” 

This  seems  a  contradiction  to  vs.  331,  uTro  voafi  Otuiv.  I  have  little 
doubt  that  Otolai  iitTtaaofiai  dOavaTOimv  is  copied  from  Gtoiai  /nera- 
TrpsTToi  udavuToioiv  in  vs.  327,  and  has  thus  suj)planted  the  genuine 
reading. 

I  certainly  prefer  Ywo/tnu/  K-i/p  with  Barnes.  Virg.  iEn.  i.  54. 
“Talia  tlanimato  sccum  dea  corde  voliitans.”  Aristoj)h.  Lysistr.  9, 
Kcio/^iai  Ti)v  Kapdiav. 

**  Observe  the  anacoluthon.  As  there  is  much  awkwardness  in  the 


33G— 363.J 


I.  TO  APOLLO, 


361 


mighty  Tartarus,  from  whomf  are  men  and  gods.  Hear  me 
now,  all  of  you,  and  give  me  offspring  without  Jove,  naught 
inferior  to  him  in  might ;  but  let  him  be  as  much  better,  as 
wide-seeing  Jove  [is  better]  than  Saturn.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  she  smote  the  earth  with  her  strong 
hand,  and  the  life-bearing  earth  was  moved.  But  she,  per¬ 
ceiving  it,  was  delighted  in  her  mind,  for  she  thought  that  the 
thing  was  accomplished.  And  from  this  time  for  a  full  year 
she  never  went  to  the  bed  of  deep-planning  Jove,  nor,  sitting 
by  him  on  his  various-decked  throne  as  before,  did  she  delib¬ 
erate  prudent  counsels.  But  large-eyed,  hallowed  Juno,  re 
maining  in  her  prayer-fraught^^  temples,  was  delighted  with 
her  own  rites.  But  when  now  the  nights*^ ^  and  days  were 
accomplished,  the  year  being  again  rolled  round,  and  the  sea¬ 
son  came,  she  brought  forth  dreadful  and  grievous  Typhon, 
like  neither  unto  gods  nor  mortals,  a  bane  to  men.  And*'^ 
immediately  large-eyed  hallowed  Juno  received  him,  then 
bearing  him,  she  gave  evil  to  evil.^^  But  she  received  him, 
fwho  did  many  evils  to  the  glorious  tribes  of  men.f  Whoev¬ 
er  met  her,  him  the  fatal  day  carried  off,  before  that  the  far- 
darting  king,  Apollo,  had  aimed  his  strong  shaft  at  him.  But 
she  [now]  lay  tortured  with  bitter  pains,  panting  greatly,  roll¬ 
ing  about  on  the  ground.  And  a  wondrous,  boundless  noise 
arose.  But  she  kept  continually  rolling  here  and  there  in  the 
wood,  and  gave  up  her  life,  breathing  forth  gore.  But  over 
her  Bhcjebus  Apollo  vaunted  :  “  Here  now  rot  upon  the  man- 

passage  as  it  stands,  I  am  strongly  inclined  to  read  vito  x^ovl  vaitraovai, 
omitting  the  next  line. 

Barnes’s  rendering,  “multis  votis  freqncntatis,’’  or  Chapman’s, 
“vow-frequented,”  seems  better  than  Ernesti’s  “ optatissimis. ” 

Herm.  /xi/vec  rt  kuI  I'l/x. 

Kuhnken  would  omit  vss.  353,  354,  35G,  which  arc  certainly  very 
awkwardly  placed.  “Sed  ita  de  Typhaone  erunt  accipienda,  quas  ad 
draconem  pertinere,  indicat  tota  sequeiis  oratio,”  observes  Ernesti,  who 
would  merely  omit  vs.  355. 

i.  e.  adding  a  new  monster  to  the  serpent  already  born.  See  Barnes. 
Chapman  *, 

“ - which,  received  to  hand 

By  Juno,  instantly  she  gave  command 
(111  to  ill  adding)  that  the  dragoness 
Should  bring  it  up  ;  who  took,  and  did  oppress 
With  many  a  misery,  to  maintain  th’  excess 
Of  that  inhuman  monster,  all  the  race 
Of  men,  that  were  of  all  the  world  the  grace.” 

Q 


362 


HYMNS. 


[3G4-^39G. 


feedin"  earth.  No  lonofer  shalt  thou  be  an  evil  destruction  to 

o  o 

living  mortals,  who,  eating  the  fruit  of  the  much-nurturing 
earth,  bring  hither  perfect  hecatombs.  Nor  shall  Typho,  nor 
Chimoera,  of  ill-omened  name,  avert  death  from  thee,  but  here 
shall  the  black  earth  and  rouser^'  Hyperion  rot  thee.” 

Thus  he  spoke,  vaunting,  but  darkness  vailed  her  eyes,  and 
the  sacred  might  of  the  sun  caused  her  [carcass]  to  putrefy 
there,  from  whence  he  is  now  called  Pytho,  but  they  call  him 
the  Pythian  king  with  reason,  because  there  the  might  of  the 
piercing  sun  rotted^^  the  monster.  And  then  indeed  Phoebus 
Apollo  perceived  in  his  mind  that  the  fair-flowing  fountain 
had  deceived  Iiim.  And  enraged  he  went  to  Delphusa,  and 
quickly  reached  her,  and  stood  very  near  her,  and  addressed 
her  in  words : 

‘‘Delphusa,  tliou  wast  not  destined  to  deceive  my  mind, 
possessing  a  pleasant  country  to  senel  forth^^  hdr-flow- 

ing  water.  Here  then  sliall  my  renown  also  be,  not  tliine 
only.”  He  spoke,  and  the  far-darting  king,  Apollo,  pushed 
the  summit  into  fthe  water-streaming  rocks, and  hid  the 
streams,  and  made  a  temple  in  the  foliaged  wood,  very  near 
the  fair-flowing  fountain.  But  here  all  pay  vows  to  the  king, 
Dclphusian  by  surname,  because  he  defiled  the  streams  of  sa¬ 
cred  Delphusa.  And  then  indeed  Phoebus  Apollo  bethought 
him  in  mind,  what  men  he  should  lead  in  as  ministers  of  his 
rites,  who  do  him  service  in  rocky  Pytho.  Deliberating  on 
these  things, lie  perceived  on  the  dark  sea  a  swift  ship,  and 
in  it  were  men  both  many  and  good,,Cretans‘2  from  Minoian 
Cnossus,  who  indeed  both  perform  sacred  rites  to  the  king, 
and  proclaim  the  laws  of  Phoebus  Apollo  of  tlie  golden  sword, 
whatsoever  he  may  say,  uttering  in  oracle  from  the  laurel. 

Compare  the  epithet  j/XfK-rp/c  given  to  the  moon  in  the  ])seuil-Orf)hic 
liymns,  ix.  G,  ed.  Ilerm.  Cf.  II.  xix.  398,  witli  Ileracl.  Identic.  Alleg.  ' 
liom.  p.  4G9,  ed.  Gale,  and  Alberti  on  Ilesych.  t.  i.  p.  1G21,  sq. 

Kuhnken  is  by  no  means  favorable  to  the  retention  of  this  passage, 
but  Ernesti  and  Hermann  witli  reason  defend  it,  des])ite  its  absurdity. 

I  read  Trpoxstiv,  with  Barnes.  ^ 

“Locum  petra},  ubi  profundcrctur  aqua  c  rujic  prosiliente, ”  is  I 
Ernesti’s  interpretation,  who  compares  the  imitation  of  the  passage  in 
Callim.  in  Del.  133,  dX\d  ot  Hajyaiov  TrpoOiXvfiva  KciptjaTu  pLX~ 

Xtv,  deipag  ’Ei.ij3aX(eiv  civr}(Tn>,  inroKpv-^HV  H  pseOpa. 

This  ])assage  is  terribly  misi)laced.  Hermann  rightly  places  vs.  394 
after  390,  and  vs.  391  after  39G,  marking  a  hicuna  after  ui>uict\.. 

Cf.  Grote,  Hist,  of  Greece,  vol.  i.  p.  Go. 


39G— 430.] 


I.  TO  APOLLO. 


363 


beneath  the  valleys  of  Parnassus.  They  indeed  were  sailing 
into  sandy  Pylos,  and  the  Pylian-sprung  men  for  trafnc 
and  business  in  a  dark  ship,  but  Phoebus  Apollo  met  them. 
And  into  the  sea  he  made  a  spring,  in  body  likened  to  a  dol¬ 
phin,"'^  into  the  swift  ship,  and  he  lay  a  mighty  and  dreadful 
monster.  And  no  one  of  them  in  his  mind  could  regard  or 
observe''^  him,  *  ^  ^  be  moved  in  all  directions,  and  shook 

the  timbers  of  the  ship.  But  they  in  silence  sat  in  the  ship, 
in  dread,  nor  did  they  loose  the  cables  throughout  the  hollow 
black  ship,  nor  did  they  loose  the  sail  of  the  black-prowed 
ship ;  but  as  they  who  first  set  to  work  with  [ropes  of]  bull 
hides,  so  they  sailed,  and  the  light  south  wind  ffrom  behind 
pressed  oiv^  the  swift  ship.f  And  they  first  passed  by  Malea, 
and  came  to  the  Lacedsemonian  land,  the  sea-girt  city,  and 
Taenarus,  the  country  of  the  in ortal-rejo icing  sun,  where  the 
dense-fieeced  sheep  of  the  king  Sun  ever  feed,  and  possess  a 
pleasant  country.  They  indeed  here  wished  to  stop  the  ship, 
and,  disembarking,  to  observe  and  behold  with  their  eyes  the 
mighty  marvel,  whether  the  monster  would  remain  on  the 
plain  [decks]  of  the  hollow  ship,  or  would  make  a  spring  into 
the  fishy  wave  of  the  sea  around.  But  the  well-built  ship 
obeyed  not  the  rudders,  but  keeping  rich  Peloponnesus  at  its 
side,  it  went  on  its  way.  And  by  the  wind  Apollo,  the  far- 
darting  king,  easily  directed  it ;  and  she,  making  her  way, 
came  to  Arene,  and  pleasant  Argyphea,  and  Thryum,  the  ford 
of  Alpheus,  and  handsome  -Tlpy,  and  sandy  Pylos,  and  the 
Pylos-born  men.  And  he  went  past  Crunii,  and  Chalcis,  and 
by  Dyme,  and  by  divine  Elis,  where  the  Epeians  rule.  And 
she  reached  PheraD,''^  rejoicing  in  the  gale  of  Jove.  And  to 
them  out  from  the  clouds  appeared  the  lofty  crag  of  Ithaca, 
and  Dulichium,  and  Same,  and  woody  Zacynthus.  And  it 
indeed  passed  by  over""  all  Peloponnesus,  and  when  now  the 


“This,  I  imagine,  was  not  the  dolphin  of  modern  times,  which  is  a 
slender,  elegant,  and  comj)aratively  small  fish ;  but,  as  seems  clear  from 
the  descriptions  in  the  classic  poets  generally,  nothing  more  or  less  than 
the  porpoise.”  Coleridge,  p.  290. 

I  read  rCjv  d’  ovtiq  Kara  Ov/xuv  iTrt^pdoar  ovS'  tvorjaev,  with 
Matth.  and  Ilerm.,  placing  a  mark  of  lacuna  after  the  line. 

I  read  tTreiyt,  with  liuhnken,  instead  of  tyape.  Cf.  Od.  xii.  167, 
tirttye  yap  ovpocj  (XTn'jpiov. 

Cf.  Od.  XV.  295. 

Hermann  has  changed  to  t-rri,  which  he  says  is  “  adverbialitci 
dc  supcrlicic  dictum,”  as  in  II.  xvii.  G50,  pd\ij  d’  tTri  Truaa  (padv()t}. 


364 


HYMNS. 


ri31— 4G2. 


boundless  bosom  of  Crissa  appeared,  which  divides  off  rich 
Peloponnesus,  there  came  a  mighty  west  wind,  clear,  from 
the  will  of  Jove,  vehement,  blowing  briskly  from  the  clear 
sky,  that  with  all  speed  the  ship  might  make  its  way,  running 
along  the  briny  wave  of  the  sea.  And  backward  they  then 
sailed  toward  the  morn  and  the  sun ;  and  king  Apollo-,  the 
son  of  Jove,  was  leader.  And  they  came  into  western  Crissa 
abounding  in  vines,  into  the  port;  but  the  sea-traversing  ship 
drew  nigli  to  the  sands.  Here  the  far-darting  king,  Apollo, 
bounded  from  the  ship,  like  unto  a  star  at  mid-day,  but  from 
it  flitted  many  sparks,  and  the  brilliancy  reached  to  heaven,"'® 
and  he  went  into  his  recess  through  the  high-valued  tripods. 
And  then  he  kindled  a  flame,  showing  forth  his  shafts,"*^  and 
the  gleam  occupied  all  Crissa.  But  the  wives  and  fair-gir¬ 
dled  daughters  of  the  Crissa;ans  raised  a  shout,  under  the  in¬ 
fluence  of  Phoebus's  shock,  for  a  mighty  fear  seized  each. 
Here  again,  like  thought,  he  leaped  in  flight  to  the  ship,  lik¬ 
ened  unto  a  youthful  and  vigorous  man  just  reached  puberty, 
enwrapping  Ids  broad  shoulders  in  his  hair,  and  addressing 
them,  he  spoke  winged  words : 

“O  strangers,  who  are  ye  ?  Whence  do  ye  sail  o’er  the 
watery  ways  ?  Is  it  for  traffic,  or  do  ye  wander  at  random, 
like  pirates,  over  the  seas,  who  indeed  wander,  risking  their 
lives,  bearing  evil  to  men  of  other  lands?®®  Why  stand  ye 
thus  astounded,  and  do  not  disembark  upon  the  land,  nor  stow 
the  cables  in  the  black  ship?  For  this  indeed  is  the  business 
of  adventurous  men,  when,  worn  out  with  toil,  they  have 
come  in  the  dark  ship  from  the  sea  to  land,  but  straightway 
love  of  pleasant  food  seizes  them  in  their  minds.” 

Tims  he  spake,  and  set  boldness  in  their  breasts.  And 

Chapman : 

“ - And  tlien  forth  brake 

The  far- shot  kin<»,  like  to  a  star  that  shows 
llis  glorious  forehead,  where  tlie  mid-day  glows, 

That  all  in  sparkles  did  his  state  attire. 

Whose  lustre  leap’d  up  to  the  sphere  of  fire.” 

Barnes  compares  II.  xii.  280.  The  following  translation  is  given 
In  Coleridge,  p.  291  : 

“ - right  through  the  tripods  ho 

Pass’d  to  his  secret  fane,  and  there  in  Haines 
Burn’d  visible  with  terrors  manifest.” 

Cf.  Od.  iii,  71,  sqip,  with  my  note. 


463— 495.  j 


I.  TO  APOLLO. 


365 


him  the  ruler  of  the  Cretans,  answering,  addressed  in  ttirn ; 
“  Stranger,  since  thou  art  not  indeed  by  any  means  like®^  unto 
mortals,  neither  in  body,  nor  in  stature,  but  to  the  immortal 
gods,®-  hail !  and  liail  greatly !  and  may  the  gods  give  thee 
prosperity.  And  do  thou  tell  me  this  truly,  that  I  may  well 
know  ;  what  people,  what  land,  what  mortals  gave  thee  birth  ? 
For  with  our  minds  another  way  have  we  sailed  o’er  the 
mighty  wave,  into  Fylos,  from  Crete,  where  we  boast  our  race 
to  be.  But  now  we  have  come  hither  witli  the  ship,  not  wish- 
ing  [to  do  so],  longing  for  our  return,  by  another  way,  another 
path.  But  some  one  of  the  immortals  has  led  us  hither  against 
our  will.” 

But  them  far-darting  Apollo  answering  addressed  :  ‘‘  Stran¬ 
gers,  who  before  dwelt  around  rich  -  foliaged  Cnossus,  but 
[who]  shall  now  never  return  back  each  to  your  pleasant  city 
and  handsome  dwellings,  and  to  your  dear  wives,  but  ye  shall 
here  keep  my  rich  temple',  honored®®  among  many  men.  But 
I  am  the  son  of  Jove,  and  I  boast  to  be  Apollo ;  and  I  have 
led  you  hither  o’er  the  mighty  wave  of  the  sea,  having  no  evil 
design,  but  here  ye  shall  keep  my  rich  temple,  much  honored 
among  all  men,  and  ye  shall  ken  the  counsels  of  men,  by 
whose  will  ye  shall  ever  be  honored  throughout  all  your  days. 
But  come,  as  I  say,  with  all  haste  obey.  First  let  down  the 
sails,  having  loosed  the  [cables  of]  bull  hides,  and  then  haul 
the  swift®^  ship  upon  the  main  land,  and  take  the  stowage  and 
tackle  out  of  the  equal  ship,  and  make  an  altar  upon  the  shore 
of  the  sea,  kindling  a  fire,  and  sacrificing  upon  it  white  wheat, 
and  afterward  pray,  standing  around  the  altar.  As  I  indeed 
first,  in  the  shadowy  sea,  leaped  upon  the  swift  ship,  likened 
unto  a  dolphin,  so  pray  ye  to  me  under  the  title  of  Delphin, 

I  am  scai’cely  satisfied  with  the  accumulation  in  Irrei  ov  /.itv  yap  rt, 
and  Hermann’s  apolojiy,  “dictum  negligenter,  ut  in  sermone  commu- 
ni,”  I  don’t  understand. 

Matthiai  thinks  that  some  such  verse  as  the  following  has  been  lost  j 
"IXtjO’'  d  ok  TIC  tcrai  KaraOvrjTajv  avQpdirijJV., 
which  seems  not  improbable. 

I  read  Ttriixtvoi  with  Hermann,  who  says  that  tliis  epitlict  is  always 
applied  to  men,  not  things,  referring  to  II.  xx.  426  ;  xxiv,  533  ;  Od.  viii, 
472;  xiii.  28. 

But  Matthiaj  reads  tTrara  fikXaivav,  Itt’  i)~dpov,  to  avoid  the  hia* 

tus. 


366 


HYMNS. 


[495—529. 


and  the  altar  itself  shall  be  Delphian^®  and  ever  an  object  to 
be  seen.  And  afterward  take  repast  near  the  swift  dark  ship, 
and  make  a  libation  to  the  blessed  gods,  who  possess  Olympus. 
But  when  ye  have  dismissed  the  desire  of  sweet  food,  come 
together  with  me,  and  sing  lo-Psean,  until  ye  come  to  the 
place  where  ye  shall  keep  [myjricli  temple.’’ 

Thus  he  spoke,  but  they  willingly  heard  him,  and  obeyed. 
They  first  let  down  the  sails,  and  loosed  the  [cables  of]  bulls’ 
hides,  and  let  down  the  mast  to  its  receptacle,  lowering  it  by 
the  main-stays.  And  they  themselves  got  out  upon  the  shore 
of  the  sea,  and  from  the  sea  drew  up  the  swift  ship  upon  the 
main  land,  high  upon  the  sands,  and  by  it  stretched  out  the 
long  props.®®  And  tliey  made  an  altar  upon  the  shore  of  the 
sea,  and  kindling  tire  upon  it,  and  sacrificing  white  wheat, 
they  prayed  as  he  bade  them,  standing  by,  around  the  altar. 
They  then  took  repast  near  the  swift  dark  ship,  and  made  li¬ 
bations  to  the  blessed  gods,  who  possess  Olympus.  But  when 
they  had  dismissed  the  desire  of  drink  and  food,  they  set  out 
to  go,  and  king  Apollo,  the  son  of  Jove,  led  the  way,  having 
his  lyre  in  his  hands,  playing  wondrously,  taking  stately  .and 
lofty  steps.  But  the  Cretans,  with  reverential  dread,  followed 
[him]  to  Fytho,  and  chanted  lo-Pman,  like  as  the  Picans  of 
the  Cretans,  and  [of  them],  into  whose  breasts  the  goddess 
Muse  has  implanted  sweet-voiced  song.  And  untired  they 
reached  the  hill  with  their  feet,  and  quickly  reached  Parnas¬ 
sus  and  the  pleasant  country,  where  he  was  about  to  dwell, 
honored  by  many  men.  And  leading  [them]  here,  he  pointed 
out  his  inclosed  plain,  and  rich  temple.  But  the  mind  in  their 
breasts  was  aroused,  and  him  the  leader  of  the  Cretans,  ques¬ 
tioning,  addressed : 

“  O  king,  since  thou  hast  led  [us]  far  away  from  our  friends 
and  father-land  (for  thus  it  somehow  seemed  good  to  thy 
mind),  how  shall  we  now  live — this  we  exhort  thee  to  con¬ 
sider.  This  [country]  is  neitlier  pleasant®^  in  bearing  vines. 


But  Ilgen  and  Hermann  elegantly  read  avTiK  dp'  d<pvticg  Kai  iir. 

Mattliiffi  reads  inrb  5’  'ippara.  Hermann  says,  “videntnr  trabcs 
vel  lapides  ab  utraque  parte  navibxis  suppositi  fuisse,  ut  naves  sola  ca- 
rina,  non  latere  arenam  contingerent.” 

But  Hermann  reads  y  tVt  paxig,  “adjacet  jugum  mentis  Bar- 
nassi,  nee  fragum  neque  lierbarum  ferax.”  Tliis  seems  to  me  very  un- 
poetical. 


529—546.  II.  1,  2.]  II.  TO  MERC  UK  Y. 


367 


nor  of  good  pasturage,  so  that  from  it  we  should  be  able  both 
to  live  well,  and  to  do  service  to  men.” 

But  them  Apollo,  the  son  of  Jove,  smiling,  answered: 
“  Infant-like  men,  of  sad  cares,  who  wish  for  anxiety,  and 
grievous  toils,  and  groans  in  your  mind,  I  will  tell  you  an 
easy  word,  and  set  it  in  your  minds.  Let  each  of  you,  having 
a  cutlass  in  his  right  hand,  always  slay  sheep  (but  they  shall 
be  at  hand  in  all  abundance),  as  many  as  the  renowned  tribes 
of  men  bring  to  me.  And  guard  my  temple,  and  receive  the 
tribes  of  men  assembled  hither,  and  regulate  my  banquet,  as 
to  if  there  be  any  vain  word  or  deed,  or  injury,  as  is  the  wont 
of  mortal  men.®^  And  hereafter  there  will  be  other  govern¬ 
ors  among  you,  under  whose  control  ye  will  be  restrained  all 
your  days.” 

All  things  are  spoken  unto  thee,  but  do  thou  keep  them  in 
thy  mind.  And  thou,  indeed,  hail !  O  son  of  Jove  and  La- 
tona,  and  I  will  be  mindful  of  thee  and  of  another  song.®^ 


II.  TO  MERCURY.i 

O  Muse,  praise  Mercury,  the  son  of  Jove  and  Maia,  who 
rules  over  Cyllene,  and  sheep-abounding  Arcadia,  the  bene- 

There  is  evitlently  something  lost  after  this  line,  as  Hermann  well 
observes :  “  Excidit  conditio,  qua  minabatur  Apollo  malum  Cretensibus  : 
7iisi  feceritis,  qitodjussi,  dui'os  nanciscemini  dominos." 

Chapman : 

“  Both  thee  and  others  of  th’  immortal  state, 

My  song  shall  memorize  to  endless  date.” 

’  Coleridge,  p.  292,  observes  that  “in  this  hymn  Hermes  is  gifted  with 
the  character  of  a  perfect  Spanish  Picaro,  a  sort  of  Lazarillo  de  Tormes 
among  the  gods,  stealing  their  goods,  playing  them  tricks,  and  telling 
such  enormous,  such  immortal  lies,  to  screen  himself  from  detection,  that 
certainly  no  human  thief  could  ever  have  the  vanity  to  think  of  rivaling 
them  on  earth.”  On  the  importance  of  this  hymn  as  showing  the  con¬ 
nection  between  the  rites  and  attributes  of  Apollo  and  Mercury  with 
each  other,  see  Grote,  vol.  i.  p.  83.  The  remarks  of  Muller,  avIio  has 
called  its  antiquity  into  question,  are  important.  “  A  considerably  later 
age  is  indicated  by  the  circumstance  tliat  the  lyre  or  the  cithara — for  the 
poet  treats  these  two  instruments  as  identical,  though  distinguished  in 


368 


HYMNS. 


CP— 28. 


ficial  messenger  of  the  immortals,  whom  IVIaia  brought  forth, 
a  fair-tressed,  hallowed  nymph,  mingled  with  Jove  in  love. 
And  she  shunned  the  company  of  the  blessed  gods,  dwelling^ 
within  a  shady  cave,  where  the  son  of  Saturn  was  mingled 
with  the  fair-tressed  nymph  in  the  depth  of  night,  while 
sweet  sleep  held  white-armed  Juno,^  unknown  to  the  im¬ 
mortal  gods  and  mortal  men.  But  when  now  the  counsel  of 
mighty  Jove  was  on  the  point  of  fulfillment,  and  to  her  the 
tenth  month  was  now  fixed^  in  the  heaven,  she  led  him  into 
the  light,  and  remarkable  deeds  were  wrought*  and  she  there 
brought  forth  her  cunnii  g  son,  of  fair  speech,  a  thief,  a 
stealer  of  cattle,  an  escorter  of  dreams,  a  looker-out  for  night, ^ 
a  gate-keeper,  who  was  quickly  about  to  show  forth  glorious 
deeds  among  the  immortal  gods.  Born  at  dawn,  he  played 
the  lyre  at  mid-day,  in  the  evening  he  stole  the  cows  of  fai’- 
darting  Apollo,  on  the  fourth  day  of  the  month,  on  which  his 
mother  Maia  gave  him  birth.  Who  also,  when  he  had  leaped 
from  the  immortal  limbs  of  his  mother,  did  not  long  remain 
lying  in  the  sacred  cradle,^  but  he  indeed,  leaping  forth,  sought 
the  cowSl  of  Apollo,  crossing  the  threshold  of  the  high-roofed 
cave,  where  finding  a  tortoise,  he  acquired  immense  wealtli. 
[Hermes  indeed  first  devised  the  musical  tortoise,J  which 
fell  to  his  notice  at  the  doors  of  the  court,  feeding  on  the 
well-grown  grass  before  the  house,  walking  slowly  on  its  feet. 

more  precise  Language — is  described  as  having  been  at  the  very  first  pro¬ 
vided  with  seven  strings;  yet  the  words  of  Terpander  are  stili  extant  in 
which  he  boasts  of  having  introduced  the  seven-stringed  cithara  in  the 
place  of  the  four-stringed.”  Hist,  of  Gk.  Lit.  vii.  5. 

*  But  Valck.  on  Bhccn.  727,  justly  finds  fault  with  taio  being  used  for 
tvSov,  and  hence  Hermann  has  well  proposed  dvrpov  tauj  dvvovaa,  com¬ 
paring  Od.  xiii.  3GG,  xi.  578. 

^  “  Cum  nympha  concubuit,  donee  Juno  dormiret.”  Ilerm. 

*  Cf.  Arat.  Bhoen.  10,  aoTog  yap  rays  aijpar  iv  ovpav(p  iart'ipi^tv. 

^  Because  adapted  for  thievish  purposes.  The  thefts  of  Mercury  arc 
amusingly  described  by  Lucian,  Dial.  Deor.  vii.  2,  3,  who  observes  ovriog 

O^VXfip  tOTI  KuOaTTSp  IV  T7J  yUCTTpl  tKptXtTtjaag  Tt)v  KXtTTTlKpi'. 

“  “The  basket  in  which  the  infimt  (Bacchus)  is  carried  is  of  twigs  in¬ 
terwoven,  of  that  sort  called  Xikvov,  used  by  the  Greeks  for  the  two 
purposes  of  winnowing  corn  and  cradling  children.”  Libr.  of  Entertain¬ 
ing  Knowledge,  Townley  Gallery,  vol.  i.  p.  125,  12G,  to  which  1  must 
refer  the  reader  for  some  excellent  information.  8ce  also  Spanh.  ou 
CaFlim.  in  Jov.  48,  Gesuer  on  Orph.  Hymn,  xlvi.  cd.  llerm. 

’  A  doubtful  line. 


28—48.] 


II.  TO  MERCURY. 


8G9 


But  the  beneficial  son  of  Jove,  beholding  it,  laughed,  and 
straightway  spoke  thus ; 

“  A  very  useful  godsend®  [art  thou]  for  me  now,  I  will 
not  disdain  thee.  Hail !  thou  pleasant  by  nature,  choir-re¬ 
sounding,  companion  of  the  feast,  who  hast  luckily  made  thy 
appearance.  Whence  is  this  beautiful  plaything?  thou  art  the 
varied  shell,  the  tortoise  that  dwells  on  the  mountains.  But 
I  will  take  and  bear  thee  to  my  dwelling ;  thou  wilt  be  of 
some  use  to  me,  nor  will  I  despise  thee,  but  thou  first  shalt’ 
benefit  me.  It  is  better  to  be  at  home,  since  out-of-doors  is 
hurtful.®  For  living,  thou  wilt  certainly  be  a  defense  against 
the  baleful  attack,  but  if  thou  diest,  thou  wilt  then  sing  very 
beautifully.” 

Thus  then  he  spoke,  and  having  taken  [it]  up  in  both 
hands,  he  straightway  went  back  to  his  dwelling,  beaiing  the 
pleasant  plaything.  Here  having  deceitfully  scooped  it  out^^' 
with  a  scalpel  of  hoary  steel,  he  extinguished  the  life  of  the 
mountain  tortoise.  And  as  when  the  swift  rhought  passes 
through  the  breast  of  a  man,  whom  frequent  cares  occupy,  or 
when  flashes^  ^  are  rolled  from  the  eyes,  so  at  once,  word  and 
deed,  did  glorious  Mercury  devise.  And  cutting  them  in  duo 

®  i.  e.  an  omen  of  a  discovery  that  will  prove  useful.  Shelley  venders  : 

“  A  useful  godsend  are  you  to  me  now, 

King  of  the  dance,  companion  of  the  feast, 

Lovely  in  all  your  nature !” 

®  Chapman :  “  ’Tis  best  to  be  at  home ;  harm  lurks  abroad.” 

The  word  dvaTrtjXrjcrag  can  not  be  right.  Barnes  would  read  dva- 
irridfjaaQ ;  Stephens,  dvairtiptivag  from  vs.  48.  Ernesti  prefers  dvacpi}^ 
X))(xag  :  “  deceptai  vitam  scalpro  exterebravit.”  Hermann  reads  dvaTriXi]* 
(Tat;,  “constipans.”  I  ean  not  decide.  The  following  is  Chapman’s  version; 

“Where,  giving  to  the  mountain  tortoise,  vents 
Of  life  and  motion,  with  fit  instruments 
Forged  of  bright  steel,  he  straight  informed  a  lute. 

Rut  neck,  and  frets  to  it ;  of  which  a  suit 
He  made  of  splitted  quills,  in  equal  space 
Imposed  upon  the  neck,  and  did  embrace 
Both  back  and  bosom.” 

“Or  as  the  frequent  twinklings  of  an  eye.”  Chapm  .i 

“  not  swifter  wheel 
The  flashes  of  its  torture  and  unrest. 

Out  of  the  dizzy  eyes — than  Maia’s  son 
All  that  he  did  devise  liatli  featlr  done.” 

Q2 


Shelley, 


370 


HYMNS. 


[48—81. 


measure,  he  fixed  cut  joints  of  reed,  having  pierced  through 
the  back  of  the  stone-shelled  tortoise.  And  around  by  his 
own  skill  he  stretched  the  hide  of  a  bull,  and  put  the  arms, 
and  upon  both  he  fixed  the  bridge.  And  he  stretched  out 
seven  concordant  strings'^  Qf  sheep.  Ikit  when  he  had  formed 
it,  bearing  his  pleasant  plaything,  with  a  quill  he  tried  it 
note  by  note,  and  it  sounded  deeply  beneatli  his  hands,  and 
the  god  sang  beautifully  beneath  it,  making  an  extempora¬ 
neous  attempt,  like  as  full-grown  boys  at  feasts  scoff  at  each 
other  in  turn.  [He  sang]  of  Jove  the  son  of  Saturn,  and 
fiir-slippered  Main,  how  they  were  formerly  wont  to  dally  in 
stealthy  love,  and  his  own  birth,  naming  his  renowned  name. 
And  he  celebrated  the  attendants  and  the  glorious  gifts  of  the 
nymph,  and  the  tripods  and  durable  caldrons  in  the  house. 
And  these  things  indeed  he  sang,  but  he  thought  of  others  in 
his  mind,  and  putting  down  his  hollow  lyre,  which  he  bore  in 
the  sacred  cradle,  he,  in  quest  of  meat,  ran  from  the  sweet- 
scented  dwelling  to  the  mountain,  devising  a  mighty  stratagem 
in  his  mind,  such  an  one  as  thieves  are  wont  to  plan  at  the 
season  of  dark  night.  The  sun  indeed  was  setting  beneath 
the  earth  toward  the  ocean,  with  his  horses  and  chariot,  but 
Mercury  came  running  to  the  shady  mountains  of  Pieria, 
where  the  immortal  cattle  of  the  blessed  gods  possessed  their 
stalls,  pasturing  on  pure,  pleasant  meadows.  From  the  flock 
of  them  then  the  watchful  son  of  Maia,  the  slayer  of  Argus, 
cut  off  fifty  loud-lowing  heifers,  and  drove  them,  wandering, 
through  the  sandy  country,  having  reversed  their  footsteps, 
for  he  was  not  forgetful  of  his  cunning  art,  having  bent  con¬ 
trariwise  the  fore  hoofs,  backw^ard,  and  the  back  ones,  for¬ 
ward.  And  he  himself  walked  backward,  and  immediately 
cast  his  sandals  upon  the  sands  of  the  sea.  lie  devised  an 
unmentioned  and  unthought-of  marvelous  work,  mingling  to- 

O  7  0  0 

gether  tamarisks  and  tamarisk-like  boughs,  of  them  he  then 
bound  together  a  small  bundle  of  leafy  wood,  and  [thus]  with- 

Literally,  “  intestines.”  But  Antigonus  Caiyst.  §  7,  seems  to  quote 

f7rr«  OyjXvTspiov  ottov  ir. 

^  The  same  stratagem  was  afterward  pursued  hy  Cacus.  Virg.  Ain. 
viii.  211. 

“  Atquc  hos,  nequa  forent  pedibus  vestigia  recti», 

Cauda  in  spel  uncam  tractos,  versisque  viarum 
Indiciis  rajjtos,  saxo  occultabat  opaco, 

Qiuercutem  nulla  ad  speluncam  signa  ferebaut.” 


82— I04.J 


II.  TO  MERCUKY. 


371 


out  harni^^  lie  bound  the  light  sandals  beneath  his  feet,  leaves 
and  all,  which  the  renowned  slayer  of  Argus  had  plucked, 
avoiding  tke  way  of  a  traveler’^  from  Pieria,  inasmuch  as 
he  was  pressing  on  a  long  journey,  roughly  equipped. But 
him  an  old  man,  who  was  tending  a  sun-basking  vineyard, 
perceived  seeking  the  field  through  grassy  Onchestus.  Him 
the  son  of  glorious  Maia  first  addressed : 

“O  old  man,  who  with  bent  shoulders  art  grubbing  these 
stumps,  surely  thou  Avilt  have  journeyed  far,  when  all  these 
things  shall  bear  fruit. But  seeing,  see  not,  and  hearing, 
[be  thouj,  mute,  and  keep  silence,  since  naught  of  thine  is 

hurt.”^8 

Having  spoken  thus  much,  he  smote  the  stout  heads  of  the 
cows,  and  glorious  Mercury  drove  them  through  many  shadowy 
mountains,  and  resounding  ravines,  and  flowering  plains.  But 
gloomy  divine  night,  his  ally,  had  well-nigh  passed  away,  and 
morn,  arousing  the  people  to  work,  chanced  to  be  arising  ;  but 
the  divine  moon,  the  daughter  of  king  Pallas,  son  of  Mega- 
medes,  had  just  gone  into  her  Avatch-tower.’^  Then  to  the 
riv'er  Alpheus  the  valiant  son  of  Jove  drove  the  wide-fronted 
cows  of  Phoebus  Apollo,  and  untired  he  came  into  the  lofty 
stall,  and  to  the  troughs  in  front  of  the  beautiful  meadoAV. 


i.  c.  w  ithout  the  likelihood  of  being  discoA'ered.  This  is  well  ex- 
l)ressed  by  Chapman : 

“and  then  fear’d  no  eyes 
That  could  affect  his  feet’s  discoveries.” 

**  “Mercurius  cavissc  dicitnr,  ne  pedibus  ut  viator  ingredcretur,  et 
ita  vestigia  j)edum  relinqueret.”  Ilenn. 

“  Ut  in  procinctu.”  Ernesti.  Hermann  would  vead  di^rtrop/io-wj/. 
After  vs.  91,  Hermann  puts  a  mark  of  lacuna,  reading  TroXvoivi'iaeujf 
“thou  wilt  reap  a  rich  vintage,  Avhen  all  these  bear  fruit.” 

The  sense  seems  to  require,  “lest  aught  of  thine  be  injured.”  But 
Chapman  has  well  rendered  : 

“But  sec  not  thou,  whatever  thou  dost  see  ; 

Nor  hear,  though  hear;  but  all,  as  touching  me, 

Conceal,  since  naught  it  can  endamage  thee.” 

This  old  man  was  Battus.  Sec  Ovid,  IMet.  ii.  fab.  7,  and  Antoninus 
Liberalis,  §  23. 

Chapman: 

“and  in  her  watch-tower  shone 
King  Pallas-Megamede’s  seed  (the  moon).” 

The  passage  is  not  very  satisfactory  as  regards  mythology.  See  Barnes 


372 


HYMNS. 


[105—130 


Here  when  he  had  well  fed  the  loud-lowing  cows  with  grass, 
and  had  driven  them  together  in  flocks  into  the  shed,  having 
cropped  the  lotus  and  dewy  rush-grass,  he  then  brought  to¬ 
gether  much  wood,  and  sought  out  the  art  of  [producing] 
fire,20  having  taken  a  splendid  branch  of  laurel,  he  pared  it 
with  the  steel,  having  rubbed  it  in  his  hand,  and  upward  the 
warm  vapor  breathed'^’  forth.  Mercury  then  first  bestowed 
fire  implements  and  fire.  And  having  taken  together  many 
dry  fagots,  he  placed  them  abundantly  in  a  low  trench,  and 
the  flame  shone  forth,  sending  afar  the  crackling^^  of  a  much- 
burning  fire.  But  w'hile  the  might  of  glorious  V ulcan  was 
kindling,  he  meantime  drew  two  lowing  heifers  with  crumple 
horns  out  of  doors,  near  to  the  fire,  for  mighty  was  his  power. 
But  he  threw  them  both  panting  to  the  ground,  on  their  backs, 
and  he  rolled  them  over  and  over,  bending  down,  and  boring 
out  their  lives.  And  he  wrought  toil  upon  toil,^^  cutting  their 
flesh  together  with  the  rich  fat,  and  he  roasted  it  being  pierced 
through  with  the  wooden  spits,  both  the  flesh  and  the  well- 
prized  backs,  and  the-black  blood  kept  within  the  intestines, 
but  they  lay  there  upon  the  ground.  And  he  stretched  out 
the  skins  upon  a  rough  rock,  do  we^^  still  cut  up  those 

which  have  been  born  for  a  long  time,  a  long  and  incalculable 
time  after  this.f  But  then  rejoicing  IMercury  drew  off  the  fat 
spoils  upon  a  smooth  plane,  and  cut  them  into  tw^elve  parts, 
distributed  by  lot,  and  he  offered  the  perfect  honor  to  each 
[of  the  twelve  gods].  Here  glorious  Mercury  longed  for  the 

But  Hermann  reads  rsxvijVj  illustrating  the  construction  of  fiaioj.iai 
with  a  genitive,  from  11.  x.  401 ;  Od.  v.  344. 

Ernesti  prefers  raxct  di.nrvi>TO. 

For  which  the  laurel  (vs.  100)  was  remarkable.  Cf.  Virg.  Eel.  viii. 
82 ;  Nemesian.  Eel.  iv.  G5. 

Cf.  Theoerit.  Id.  xv.  20,  ttIvts  ttokcoq  tXaj3'  tx^tf.',  uirav  pvTroQ, 
ipyov  Itt  tpytp. 

“And  thus  were  these  now  all  in  pieces  shred. 

And  undistinguish’d  from  earth’s  common  herd  : 

Though  born  for  long  date,  and  to  heaven  endear’d ; 

And  now  must  ever  live  in  dead  event.”  Chapman. 

I  am  but  half  satisfied  respecting  these  two  lines,  nor  does  Hermann 
seem  quite  settled  as  to  their  correction.  His  text  has  TupteT  atro-a 
TToXoxpovioi,  but  in  the  notes  he  proposes  rdwO'  uaaa  iroXvxpopia  tt., 
giving  the  following  explanation  of  uKpirov,  “quemadmodum  nunc  quo* 
que,  multo  post,  tenduntur,  quai  uatura  ad  diiiturnitatem,  facta  suiiL*' 


130— 1G2.] 


II.  TO  MERCURY. 


373 


sacrifice  of  flesh, for  the  savor  now  struck^®  him,  although 
being  immortal,  but  not  even  thus  did  his  noble  mind  give 
way,  although  greatly  longing  to  convey  [the  banquet]  down 
his  sacred  throat !  But  these  indeed  he  placed  in  the  lofty 
shed,  the  fat  and  abundant  flesh.  And  he  forthwith  piled 
them  aloft,  as  a  sign  of  the  recent  slaughter, and  having 
raised  dry  fagots  upon  them,  he  consumed  the  whole  feet  and 
heads  in  the  vapor  of  fire.  But  when  the  gods  had  accom- 
plished  all  things  rightly,  he  cast  his  sandals  into  eddying  Al- 
pheus,  and  throughout  the  night  he  quenched  the  coals,  and 
trampled  them  to  black  dust ;  but  beauteous  shone  the  light 
of  the  moon.  But  he  again  came  forthwith  to  the  divine 
heights  of  Cyllene,  at  dawn,  nor  did  any  one  meet  him  dur¬ 
ing  the  long  journey,  neither  of  the  blessed  gods,  nor  of  mor¬ 
tal  men,  nor  did  the  dogs  bark.  But  Mercury,  the  beneficial 
[son]  of  Jove,  bending  himself  up,  slipped  through  the  key¬ 
hole  of  the  house,  like  unto  an  autumnal  breeze,  like  unto  a 
vapor.  And  he  came  straight  through  the  rich  temple  of  the 
cave,  stepping  onward  on  tip-toe,  for  he  made  no  noise,  as  if 
[he  were  walking]  on  the  earth.  And  glorious  Mercury  came 
hastily  to  his  cradle,  having  wrapped  his  swaddling-clothes 
around  his  shoulders,  like  an  infant  child,  playing  with  the 
coverlet  with  his  [right]  hand  on  his  knees,  and  holding  his 
beloved  lyre  in  the  left.  But  god  as  he  was,  he  escaped  not 
the  notice  of  his  goddess  mother,  and  she  spake  thus : 

‘AVhy,  whence  comest  thou  hither,  O  cunning  plotter,  at 
this  time  of  night,  clad  in  impudence  1  Now  I  think  that 
thou,  having  fetters  round  thy  sides,  from  which  there  is  no 
escape,  wilt  shortly  pass  from  the  vestibule  under  the  hands 
of  Apollo,  or  that  thou  wilt  elude  him  even  wdiile  holding 
thee  in  his  arms.  Away  witli  thee  !  a  great  care  hath  thy 
sire  begotten  thee  to  mortal  men  and  immortal  gods.” 

But  her  Mercury  answered  w'ith  cunning  words  :  “  Mother-^ 

i.  e.  he  was  first  possessed  with  the  desire  of  being  lionored,  as  a 
god,  with  sacred  rites. 

Ernesti  well  compares  Siicton.  Claud.  33,  “  nidore  prandii  ictus.” 

Hermann  prefers  aijfia  vsr}Q  and  dyeipaQ  (with  Ilgen),  i.  e. 

“  raising  them  up  as  a  trojihy  of  his  first  theft.”  The  old  reading  was 
virig  (pavpc,  altered  to  vtoaipayhjg  by  Ruhnken.  Hermann  seems  right 

‘  Dear  mother,’ 

Replied  sly  Hermes,  ‘  wher-efore  scold  and  bother  ? 

As  if  I  were  like  other  babes  as  old. 


374 


HYMNS. 


[1G3— 202. 


mine,  why  dost  thou  scold  me  like  an  infant  child,  who  knows 
very  few  fitting  things  in  his  mind,  timid,  and  [who]  dreads 
his  mother’s  scoldings.  But  I  will  make  use  of  a  scheme, 
which  is  most  excellent,  considering  for  myself  and  thee.  Nor 
among  the  immortal  gods  will  we  endure  to  remain  here  gift¬ 
less,  and  without  food,  as  you  would  have.  It  is  better  to  a.s- 
sociate  with  the  immortals  all  one’s  days,  being  rich,  opulent, 
with  abundant  spoil,  than  to  sit  at  home  in  a  shadowy  cave, 
I  also,  will  aim  at  the  sacred  honor  which  Apollo  [claims]. 
But  if  indeed  my  father  will  not  give  it,  surely  I  will  make 
the  attempt,  [and]  I  am  equal  to  being  the  captain  of  thieves. 
But  if  the  son  of  glorious  Latona  shall  trace  me  out,  I  think 
that  I  shall  make  some  other  and  greater  attempt  against  him. 
F or  I  will  go  to  Pytho,  in  order  to  break  into  his  great  dwell¬ 
ing,  where  I  will  pillage  enough  of  beauteous  tripods,  and  cal¬ 
drons,  and  gold,  and  enough  of  shining  iron,  and  much  appar¬ 
el  ;  and  thou  mayest  see  me  if  thou  wilt.” 

Thus  they  indeed  discoursed  with  each  other  in  words.^ 
both  the  son  of  Aigis-bearing  Jove,  and  hallowed  Maia.  But 
Morn,  tlie  mother  of  dawn,  bearing  light  to  mortals,  arose 
from  the  deep-flowing  ocean.  3Fit  Apollo  came  to  Onches- 
tus,  going  to  the  pleasant  and  pure  grove  of  the  heavy-roar- 
ing  Earth-Shaker,  where  he  found  the  toothless"^  old  man 
forming  the  hedge  of  his  vineyard  along  the  way-side,  whom 
first  the  son  of  glorious  Latona  addressed  : 

‘‘  O  old  man,  hedge-pruner  of  grassy  Onchestus,  I  come 
hither,  seeking  heifers  from  Pieria,  all  females,  all  with 
crumpled  horns,  [stolen]  from  my  herd,  but  the  black  bull 
was  pasturing  alone,  away  from  the  rest,  and  four  savage  dogs 
followed  in  the  rear,  like  men  of  one  mind.  They  indeed, 
the  dogs  and  the  bull,  were  left  (which  indeed  is  a  great  mar¬ 
vel),  but  they  [the  heifers]  have  left  the  soft  meadow,  just  as 
the  sun  was  setting,  from  tlie  sweet  pasture.  Concerning 
these  tell  me,  O  ancient-born  old  man,  if  any  where  tliou  hast 
seen  a  man  making  his  Avay  to  these  cattle.” 

But  him  the  old  man,  answering  in  words,  addressed :  “  O 
friend,  it  is  difiicult  indeed  to  tell  all  things  which  one  has 

And  nnderstood  nothinf;  of  what  i.s  what ; 

And  cared  at  all  to  hear  iny  mother  scold.’  ”  Shelley. 

I  can  not  see  any  objection  to  this  epithet.  Hermann  would  read 
vta^aXor,  i,  e.  pdOv/aoc, 


II.  TO  MERCURY. 


375 


203—238.] 

beheld  ^vith  one’s  eyes,*  for  many  travelers  make  their  way, 
of  whom  some  having  many  evil  designs,  but  others  very  good, 
go  along ;  but  it  is  difficult  to  learn  each  one.  But  through¬ 
out  the  whole  day  till  sunset  I  have  been  digging  around  the 
hill  of  the  vineyard ;  but,  O  best  one,  I  thought  I  saw — but 
I  know  not  how  to  distinguish  clearly — a  boy,  which  infant 
boy  was  following  with  fair-horned  cows.  And  he  had  a  staff, 
and  walked  in  a  wavering  manner,  and  urged  them  from  be¬ 
hind,  and  kept  their  heads  opposite  to  himself.” 

The  old  man  spake,  and  Phoebus  Apollo  Avent  quicker  on 
his  way.  Put  he  saw  [the  truth  like  asj  a  wing-stretching 
bird  of  augury,  and  forthwith  perceived  that  the  thief  Avas 
the  son  of  Saturnian  Jove.  But  the  son  of  Joat,  Apollo, 
quickly  entered  divine  Pylos,  seeking  the  bent-footed  heifers, 
having  concealed  his  broad  shoulders  in  a  purple  mist.  And 
the  Par-Darter  perceived  the  footprints,  and  spake  thus : 

“  O  gods  !  surely  I  behold  tliis  a  mighty  marvel  Avith  mine 
eyes.  These  indeed  are  the  footsteps  of  straight-horned  heif¬ 
ers,  but  they  are  turned  backAvard  tOAvard  the  meadoAv  of  as¬ 
phodel.  And  these  are  the  steps  neither  of  man  nor  Avoman, 
nor  of  hoary  Avolves,  nor  bears,  nor  lions,  nor  are  they  like 
[those]  of  a  shaggy-necked  centaur,  Avhoever  Avalks  thus  ter¬ 
ribly  Avith  his  SAvift  feet,  heavily  on  this  side  of  the  Avay,  and 
heavier  on  that  side  of  the  Avay.”3o 

Thus  having  spoken,  king  Apollo,  the  son  of  Jove,  Avent 
on,  and  came  to  the  Avood-clad  mountain  of  Cyllene,  into  the 
heavy-shaded  lair  of  the  rock,  Avhere  also  the  immortal  nymph 
brought  forth  the  son  of  Saturnian  Jove.  But  a  pleasant  sa¬ 
vor  AA’-as  scattered  througli  the  divine  mountain, and  many  long¬ 
footed  sheep  Avere  broAvsing  on  the  grass.  Here  then  hasten¬ 
ing,  far -darting  holy^^  Apollo  descended  the  stony  ground, 
into  the  murky  caA'e.  But  Avhen  the  son  of  Jove  and  Maia 
perceived  him,  far-darting  Apollo,  enraged  about  his  heifers, 
he  got  Avithin  his  incense-scented  SAvaddling-clothes,  like  as 
the  cinder  of  Avood^-^  has  enveloped  much  ash  of  boughs,  so 

Ernesti  well  observes  that  this  repetition  is  dramatic,  tlie  speaker 
being  supposed  to  point  Avith  his  hand  to  each  side  of  the  road  as  he 
walks  along. 

For  avTog  Hermann  elegantly  reads  ayjwQ  'AttoAXwv. 

I  have  some  doubts  whether  vX7](j  should  be  joined  with  irptfivior 
or  with  airo^oQ. 


376 


HYMNS. 


[239— 2GI. 


did  Mercury,  perceiving  the  Far-Darter,  draw  himself  away.^^ 
And  in  a  small  place  he  gathered  up  his  head,  and  hands,  and 
feet,  because  just  washed,  seeking  sweet  sleep  after  hunting, 
and  he  held  the  nevv-formed^^  lyre  under  his  shoulder.  13ut 
the  son  of  Jove  and  Latona  recognized,  nor  failed  to  perceive 
the  all-beauteous  mountain  nymph  and  her  dear  son,  a  little 
boy,  swathed  up  in  crafty  tricks.  And  having  looked  around 
every  cranny  of  the  large  dwelling,  taking  a  shining  key,  he 
opened  three  recesses  full  of  nectar  and  delightful  ambrosia. 
And  much  gold  and  silver  lay  within,  and  many  purple  and 
white-woven  garments  of  the  nymph,  such  as  the  sacred  dwell¬ 
ings  of  the  blessed  gods  contain  within.  Here,  after  the  son 
of  Latona  had  searched  out  the  crannies  of  the  large  dwell¬ 
ing,  he  addressed  glorious  Mercury  in  words : 

“  O  boy,  who  reclinest  in  a  cradle,  at  once  tell  me  where 
my  bulls  are,  since  we  shall  otherwise  quarrel  not  fittingly. 
For  I  will  hurl  thee  into  murky  Tartarus,  into  sorrowful  and 
inextricable  darkness ;  nor  shall  thy  mother  nor  thy  sire  bring 
thee  forth  into  the  light,  but  beneath  the  earth  shalt  thou  per¬ 
ish,  acting  as  leader*^  over  a  few  men.” 

But  him  Mercury  answered  with  crafty  words :  “  O  son^® 
of  I^atona,  what  hard  word  is  this  thou  hast  said  ?  And  why 

Quasi  se  sihi  subtraxU,  se  fugit,”  Ernesti.  Hermann,  however, 
more  rightly  reads  dXsEive,  t  aurbv. 

But  Herm.  reads  typiinffiov  trsov  ye  xeXvv  vtt. 

Matthiaj,  however,  reads  y'jTrepoTreviov,  and  Hermann  doXioiaiv  t> 
di>dp,  which  produces  an  amusing  meaning. 

I  can  not  refrain  from  quoting  Shelley’s  eloquent  paraphrase: 

“  Son 

Of  great  Latona,  what  a  speech  is  this ! 

Why  come  you  here  to  ask  me  what  is  done 
With  the  wild  oxen  which  it  seems  yon  miss? 

I  have  not  seen  them,  nor  from  anv  one 
Have  heard  a  word  of  the  whole  business ; 

If  you  should  ]n*oniisc  an  immense  reward, 

I  could  not  tell  yon  more  than  you  now  have  heard. 

An  ox-stealer  should  be  both  tall  and  strong, 

And  I  am  but  a  little  new-born  thing. 

Who,  yet  at  least,  can  think  of  nothing  wrong 
My  business  is  to  suck,  and  slcej),  and  fling 
The  cradle-clothes  about  me  all  day  long, — 

Or  half  asleep,  hear  my  sweet  mother  sing. 

And  to  be  wash’d  in  Avater  clean  and  warm. 

And  hush’d,  and  kiss’d,  and  kej)t  secure  from  harm.” 


2G2— 295.J 


II.  TO  MERCURY. 


377 


comest  thou  hither,  seeking  field-dwelling  lieifers  ?  I  have 
not  seen  [them],  nor  learned  [about  them],  nor  heard  report 
from  another.  I  can  not  tell,  1  could  not  receive  a  reward  for 
intelligence.  Nor  am  I  [myself]  like  unto  a  driver  away  of 
cows,  a  strong  man.  This  is  not  a  Avork  for  [such  as]  me, 
and  hitherto  other  things  have  been  my  care.  Sleep,  and  my 
mother's  milk  are  my  care,  and  to  Avear  SAvaddling-clothes 
about  my  shoulders,  and  a  Avarm  bath.  Let  no  one  learn 
this,  Avhence  this  quarrel  has  arisen.  For  truly  it  Avould  be 
a  mighty  marvel  among  the  immortals,  that  a  boy  just  born 
should  pass  through  the  vestibule  Avith  field-dwelling  heifers. 
And  this  thou  speakest  not  beseemingly.  I  Avas  born  [but] 
yesterday,  and  my  feet  are  tender,  but  the  ground  beneath  is 
rugged.  But  if  thou  Avilt,  I  Avill  swear  by  the  head  of  my 
sire,  a  mighty  oath,  neither  do  I  myself  confess  to  be  guilty, 
nor  have  I  perceived  any  one  else  the  stealer  of  your  cattle, 
Avhoever  these  heifers  be,  for  I  have  heard  the  report  only.” 

Thus  then  he  spake,  and  Avinking  frequently  from  his  eye¬ 
lids,  he  rapidly  moved  AAuth  his  brows,  glancing  hither  and 
thither,  Avhistling  to  a  long  distance,  as  though  hearing  a  vain 
story. But  him  far-darting  Apollo,  gently  smiling,  ad¬ 
dressed  : 

“  O  soft  young  cheat,  deviser  of  tricks,  truly  I  deem  that 
thou,  often  breaking  into  Avell-built  dwellings,  Avilt  by  night 
leave  not  one  man  only  bare  upon  the  ground, filching  noise¬ 
lessly  throughout  the  house  ;  such  things  dost  thou  say.  But 
many  field-dwelling^^  shepherds  wilt  thou  annoy  in  the  ravines 
of  a  mountain,  Avhen,  longing  for  fiesh,  thou  shalt  meet  Avith 
herds  of  coaa'S  and  fiocks  of  sheep.  But  come,  [take  heed] 
lest  thou  enjoy  tliy  last  and  final  sleep,  come  out  of  thy  cra¬ 
dle,  thou  comrade  of  black  night.  For  this  honor  shalt  thou 
hereafter  possess  among  the  immortals,  thou  shalt  be  called 
the  captain  of  thiev'es  all  thy  days.” 

Thus  then  he  spake,  and  Phoebus  Apollo  took  up  and  car¬ 
ried  the  boy,  but  then  the  brave  slayer  of  Argus,  taking  coun¬ 
sel,  as  he  was  lifted  up  in  his  arms,  sent  forth  an  augury  into 
• 

Hermann  reads  liXiov  tov  fivQou  from  II.  A'.  715,  “As  if  he  idle 
thought  Apollo’s  s])ell.”  Chapman. 

A  proverbial  phrase,  like  oKpciTicrov  iiri  ^rjpolai  KaOi^oi  in  Theocrit. 
i.  51. 

See  my  note  on  II. 


378 


HYMNS. 


[296—323. 


his  hands,  a  sad  report  from  his  belly,  an  impudent  messen- 
ger.  And  quickly  after  it  he  sneezed.'’*^  But  Apollo  heard 
it,  and  cast  glorious  Mercury  from  his  hands  upon  the  ground. 
(But  hc“  sat  down  before  [him],  although  hastening  on  his 
way),  reproaching  Mercury,  and  addressed  him  in  words : 

“Be  of  good  courage,  thou  enswaddled  son  of  Jove  and 
Maia  ;  1  will  hereafter  find  my  stout  heads  of  heifers  by  these 
omens,  but  well  shalt  thou  hereafter  be  leader  of  the  way.” 

Thus  he  spake,  but  Cyllenian  Mercury  again  leaped  up 
quickly,  going  in  haste.  But  with  his  hands  he  pulled  tlie 
swaddlings,  with  which  he  was  enwrapped^^  as  to  his  shoul¬ 
ders,  around  his  ears  also,  and  spoke  thus  : 

“  Whether  bearest  thou  me,  O  Far-Darter,  most  powerful 
of  all  the  gods?  Surely  thou  art  thus  teasing*^  me,  enraged 
on  account  of  these  heifers.  O  gods !  may  the  race  of  cows 
perish !  For  I  did  not  steal  your  cows,  nor  saw  I  another, 
whoever  these  cows  are,  for  I  hear  the  report  alone.  But 
give  and  receive^^  justice^^  in  presence  of  Saturnian  Jove.” 

But  after  vagrant  Mercury  and  the  glorious  son  of  Latona 
had  said  these  things  openly,  having  their  mind  in  different 
ways,  for  the  latter  indeed  clemanded  a  true  confession,'*®  not 
satisfaction  for  the  cows,  from  renowned  Mercury,  but  he  of 
Cyllene  by  wiles  and  cunning  speeches  wished  to  deceive  him 
of  the  silver  bow.  But  when  he,  being  cunning  in  counsel, 
met  with  one  of  many  devices,  then  quickly  he  walked  through 
the  sand  before,  but  the  son  of  Jove  at  Latona  behind.  And 
soon  they  came  to  the  heights  of  incense-fraught  Olympus,  to 
the  Saturnian  sire,  they  the  beauteous  children  of  Jove  (for 

See  Hermann’s  explanation  of  these  amusing  omens. 

Mereury.  I  have  put  the  line  in  an  inelosure.  Cf.  vs.  304. 

Hermann  reads  kXi-dvog  from  eod.  Moscov,  observing,  “quo  exj)e- 
ditior  incederet  Mercurius,  fascias,  quibus  humeri  erant  eonstricti,  suv- 
sum  versus  aures  trudebat.” 

See  Blomf.  gloss,  on  iEseh.  Pers.  10.  See  Ernesti. 

“  as  for  Phoebus,  he 

Sought  not  revenge ;  but  only  information, 

And  Hermes  tried  with  lies  and  roguery 
To  eheat  A])ollo. — But  when  no  evasion 
SeiTed — for  the  cunning  one  his  match  had  found — 

He  })aced  on  first  over  the  sandy  ground.”  Shelley. 

But  Hermann  more  coiTCctly  reads  (piovtiv,  “jure,”  inquit,  “Apollo 
comprehenderat  propter  boves  Mercurium,  is  ut  vera  dieeret.”  I  am  not 
satisfied  with  the  text  as  it  stands. 


324—356.] 


II.  TO  MERCURY. 


379 


there  the  balance  of  justice  lay  for  both.)  And  music^^  pos¬ 
sessed  snowy  Olympus,  and  the  undying^®  immortals  were 
assembled  into  the  recesses  of  Olympus.  But  Mercury  and 
silver-bowed  Apollo  stood  before  the  knees  of  Jove.  But 
high-thundering  Jove  questioned  his  glorious  son,  and  ad¬ 
dressed  him  in  words: 

“  O  Phoebus,  whence  drivest  thou  this  gentle  prey,  a  new¬ 
born  boy,  possessing  the  mien  of  a  herald  ?  This  is  an  im¬ 
portant  subject  which  has  come  to  the  assembly  of  the  gods.'’ 

But  him  the  far-darting  king  Apollo  in  turn  addressed : 

“  O  sire,  soon  indeed  shalt  thou  hear  no  trivial  story,  re¬ 
buking  me  [as  thou  art  wont],  as  if  1  alone  were  a  lover 
of  plunder.  I  have  caught  this  boy,  an  open  thief,  on  the 
mountains  of  Cyllene, — having  passed  over  much  country, — 
an  abusive  fellow,  such  another  as  I  have  not  seen  among 
gods  nor  men,  as  many  as  are  cheats  upon  earth.  But  having 
stolen  my  cows  from  the  meadow,  he  at  even-tide  went  away, 
driving  them  along  the  coast  of  the  much-resounding  sea,  and 
driving  straight  to  the  ford,  but  there  are  mighty  double  foot¬ 
steps,  such  as  to  cause  astonishment,  and  the  work  of  an 
illustrious  deity.  For  the  dark  dust  appeared  to  have  the 
footprints  of  the  cows  turned  toward  tlie  asphodel  meadow 
[whence  they  came].  But  this  fellow  alone,  besides  [them],'^^ 
is  incomprehensible,  for  he  came  through  the  sandy  country 
neither  on  his  feet  nor  his  hands,  but  having  some  other 
stratagem,  he  passed  on  his  way.  Such  marvels  [were  his 
footsteps],  as  though  some  one  should  walk  in  slender  oak- 
toppings.^*^  As  long,  then,  as  he  passed  through  the  sandy 
country,  all  his  footsteps  were  easily  extinguishablc  in  tho 
dust ;  but  when  he  had  passed  over  the  great  tract  of  sand, 
forthwitli  the  track  of  the  bulls,  and  of  himself,  became  im¬ 
perceptible,  through  the  hardness  of  the  soil,  but  a  mortal  man 
perceived  him  driving  the  race  of  wide-fronted  cows  on  to 
Pylos.  But  after  he  had  sacrificed  them  in  quiet,  and  had 

I  read  eixfxsXir],  “  music,”  as  in  Diodor.  iv.  84,  or  rather  tfifieXh], 
from  Pollux,  iv.  57;  Plato,  legg.  vii.  816.  Herm. 

A  somewhat  useless  pleonasm,  which  Groddeck  and  Hermann  re¬ 
move  by  reading  dOpooL,  “together.” 

I  have  my  doubts  about  tKToc,  which  Ruhnken  elegantly  corrected 
to  dprjxavog.  But  see  Hermann’s  note. 

On  account  of  the  buskins  which  JMercury  had  platted  for  himself 
Cf.  vss.  80,  sqq. 


380 


HYMNS. 


[357—388. 


scattered  the  [ashes  of  the]  fire^^  all  about  the  way,  some 
here,  some  there,  he  lay  in  his  cradle,  like  unto  black  night, 
in  the  darkness  of  the  murky  cave ;  nor  would  even  a  shar[)- 
seeing  eagle  have  perceived  him,  and  much  he  rubbed  his 
eyes  with  his  hands,  thinking  of  wiles.  But  he  himself  spoke 
out  a  speech  at  once :  I  did  not  see,  I  learned  not,  I  heard 
not  report  from  another,  nor  could  I  tell,  not  even  if  I  re¬ 
ceived  a  price  for  intelligence.’’ 

Thus  then^2  speaking,  Phoebus  Apollo  sat  down.  But 
Mercury,  on  the  other  side,  making  answer,  spoke,  and  di¬ 
rected  [his  discourse]  to  the  Saturnian  ruler  over  all  the 
gods : 

‘‘O  father  Jove,  surely  I  will  tell  thee  the  truth.  For  1 
am  unerring,  and  know  not  how  to  lie.  [This  god]  came  to 
our  dwelling,  seeking  his  bent-footed  cows,  this  day,  when  the 
sun  had  just  arisen,  nor  did  he  bring  any  witnesses  or  behold¬ 
ers  from  among  the  blessed  gods,  but  under  much  compulsion 
bade  me  give  information.  And  much  he  threatened  me,  that 
he  would  hurl  me  into  wide  Tartarus,  because  he,  forsooth, 
possesses  the  flower  of  glory-loving  youth,  but  I  was  born 
[but]  yesterday  (but  this  he  himself  also  knows),  nor  [am]  I 
like  to  a  strong  driver-away  of  cows.  Be  persuaded  (for  tru¬ 
ly  thou  boastest  to  bo  my  dear  father)  that  I  did  not  drive  the 
cows  home  (so  may  I  be  blest !),  nor  went  I  across  the  thresh¬ 
old.  But  this  I  spake  truly ;  I  both  venerate  the  sun  and 
the  other  gods,  and  I  love  thee,  and  cherish  this  one;  thou 
also  thyself  knowest  that  I  am  not  guilty.  But  I  add^^  a 
mighty  oath.  No,  by  these  well-adorned  vestibules  of  the 
gods  [I  did  net  do  it],  and  at  some  time  I  will  repay  him  for 
liis  cruel  speech.®^  But  do  thou  aid  the  younger  party.” 

Thus  spake  Argus-slaying  Cyllenius,  winking,  and  he  held 
his  swaddling-band  on  his  arm,  nor  did  he  cast  it  away.  But 

So  Ernesti.  But  the  cod.  Mosc.  gives  7rvp  7ra\apr]atv,  whence 
Ilgen  and  Hermann  read  TrvpiraXafitiaev,  “quum  multa  hie  illic  in  via 
callide  machinatus  esset.” 

Barnes  wislied  to  read  yroL  oy  from  II.  i.  G7,  but  as  Hermann  ob¬ 
serves,  this  is  rendered  unnecessary  by  the  immediate  mention  of  Apol- 
\o  by  name. 

This  meaning  of  iiri^aiouai,  although  approved  by  Ernesti,  is  very 
uncertain.  Barnes  reads  iTnC^xropai,  with  the  approbation  of  Hermana 
Cf.  Eustath.  on  II.  x.  254,  and  Hesych.  t.  i.  p.  1350. 

But  Hermann  reads  ^ojprjv  from  cod.  Mosc. 


380—421.] 


II.  TO  MERCURY. 


381 


Jove  laughed  greatly,  seeing  the  evil-plotting  boy  lying  well 
and  skillfully  about  the  heifers.  And  he  ordered  them  both, 
having  a  concordant  mind,  to  go  in  search,  and  messenger 
Mercury  to  lead  the  way,  and  to  show  the  place  with  inno¬ 
cence  of  mind,  where  he  had  hidden  the  stout  heads  of  cattle. 
And  the  son  of  Saturn  beckoned  [to  him]  with  a  nod,  and 
glorious  Mercury  obeyed,  for  the  mind  of  Aigis-bearing  Jove 
easily  persuaded.  And  these  two  beauteous  children  of  Jove 
hastened  to  sandy  Pylos,  to  the  ford^^  of  Alpheus,  and  they 
reached  the  fields  and  lofty  shed,  where  wealth,  forsooth,  was 
increased  daring  night-time.  Here  then  Mercury,  indeed, 
going  to^®  the  stone  cave,  drove  the  strong  heads  of  cattle 
into  the  light,  and  the  son  of  Latona  looking  aside,  perceived 
the  skins  of  the  cows  upon  a  lofty  rock,  and  quickly  he  asked 
glorious  Mercury : 

“  How  wast  thou  able,  O  cunning  cheat,  to  cut  the  throats 
of  two  cows,  being  thus  new-born  and  infantine?  I  myself 
shall  hereafter  dread^”^  thy  power.  It  does  not  behoove  thee 
to  grow  very  much,  O  Cyllenian  son  of  Maia.” 

Thus  then  he  spoke,  and  with  his  hands  he  threw  around 
him  strong  bands  of  withy,  but  they  beneath  his  feet  were 
forthwith  fastened^®  upon  the  earth,  although  strongly  en¬ 
twined  in  each  other,  and  [the  same  thing  took  place]  easily 
with  all  the  field-dwelling  cows,  by  the  devices  of  deceitful 
Mercury,  but  Apollo,  beholding,  marveled.  But  then  the 
strong  slayer  of  Argus  kept  looking  about  the  place,  frequently 
darting  his  eyes,  desiring  to  hide  himself.  But  he  very  easily 
appeased  the  far-darting  son  of  glorious  Latona,  as  he  himself 
wished,  although  being  valiant.  But  taking  [his  lyre]  in  his 
left  hand,^^  he  tried  it  with  the  quill,  note  by  note,  and  it  ut¬ 
tered  a  powerful  sound  beneath  his  hand ;  and  Phoebus  Apollo 
laughed,  rejoicing,  and  the  pleasing  voice  of  the  divine  song 
penetrated  through  his  soul,  and  sweet  love  possessed  him  in 

I  read  tg  UvXov  7]fia96evra,  tir  ’AX^ftow,  witli  Ilerm. 

I  prefer  Ig  \aivov  dvrpoi',  with  cod.  Mosc. 

’’  Hermann  has  conjecturally  restored  the  almost  obsolete  verb  6ap- 
(Salvio,  found  also  in  one  MS.  of  the  hymn  to  Venus,  vs.  84. 

Hermann  defends  (pvovro,  which  Bernard  Martin  had  changed  to 
\vovTO,  but  in  vs.  412  he  would  read  pu  dyvoi  7rd(r7jcnv,  which  he  thus 
explains:  “Apollo  bobns  injecit,  vincula  vimiiiea,  ilia  autem  ita,  ut  con- 
torta  erant,  in  omnibus  bobus  statim  sub  corum  pedibus  solo  inhasserunt.” 

Hermann  with  reason  su])poscs  there  is  a  lacuna  after  vs.  418. 


382 


HYMNS. 


[422—450. 


liis  mind  as  he  heard  it.^°  And  the  son  of  Maia,  playing 
pleasantly  on  the  lyre,  stood  boldly  at  the  left  hand  of  Phoe¬ 
bus  Apollo.  And  soon  after,  playing  clearly  on  the  lyre,  he 
sang  with  uplifted  voice  (for  a  pleasing  voice  accompanied 
him),  celebrating*^^  the  immortal  gods,  and  the  murky  earth, 
how  they  were  tirst  born,  and  how  each  obtained  his  share  by 
lot.  Mnemosyne  indeed,  the  mother  of  the  IMuses,  he  honor¬ 
ed  first  of  the  goddesses  in  song,  for  she  had  obtained  the  son 
of  Maia,  and  the  glorious  son  of  Jove  honored  the  other  im¬ 
mortal  gods  according  to  age,  and  as  each  had  been  born, 
speaking  all  things  in  order,  striking  the  lyre  in  his  arms. 
Hut  insatiable  sweetness  possessed  the  mind  in  his  breast, 
and  having  addressed  him,  he  spoke  winged  words : 

‘‘Cow-slayer,  crafty-plotter,  laboring^'^  comrade  of  the 
feast,  thou  hast  devised  these  things  worth  fifty  cows.  I 
think  that  our  strife  will  now  be  easily  settled.  Hut  come 
now,  tell  me  this,  O  cunning  son  of  IMaia ;  did  these  marvel¬ 
ous  works  accompany  thee  from  thy  birth,  or  did  some  one  of 
the  immortals,  or  of  mortal  man,  bestow  the  glorious  gift,  and 
teach  divine  song.  For  I  hear  this  wondrous  new  voice, 
which  I  say  that  no  one  ever  learned,  neither  of  men,  nor  of 
the  immortals  who  possess  the  Olympian  dwellings,  save  thee, 
O  thief,  son  of  Jove  and  Maia.  What  art,  what  muse,  wliat 
study  [is  there  which  assuages]  difficult  cares?  for  truly  all 
these  three  are  present  at  once,  so  that  one  may  take  joy,  and 
love,  and  sweet  sleep.  And  truly  I  am  a  follower  of  the 
Olympian  jMuses,  to  whom  the  quire  and  the  glorious  path*"^ 
of  song  are  a  care,  and  flourishing  song,  and  the  pleasant  noise 
of  pipes.  Hut  never  yet  was  any  other  thing  thus  a  care*’^  in 
my  mind,  such  performances  as  are  suited  to  the  banquet  of 
youths.  I  marvel  at  these,  O  son  of  Jove,  so  pleasantly  dost 
thou  play.  Hut  now  since,  although  being  little,  thou  know- 
est  glorious  arts,  sit  down,  dear  one,  and  praise  the  discourse 

The  verse  OenTisrrhjg  tVoTTz/c,  Kal  {.uv  yXvKvg  'i/.iepog  i'lpet,  is  added 
from  cod.  Mosc. 

Kpaivouv  can  not  have  this  meaning,  and  Hermann  seems  riglitlv  to 
read  kXsIuiv.  For  Ernesti  compares  tiie  Latin  ‘-sublata 

voce.” 

I  have  removed  the  comma  after  Trovtvfitvt. 

'the  cod.  Mosc.  has  lyivog  doictig. 

**  Hermann,  from  the  vestiges  of  cod.  Mosc.,  reads  dXA’  octw  t'i  p.ot 
uAXo/itn't  ippKTtv  wliich  1  have  followed. 


457— 48G.] 


II.  TO  MERCURY. 


383 


of  thine  elders,  for  now  glory  slnill  be  thine  nmong  the  im¬ 
mortal  gods,^^^  both  to  thyself  and  to  thy  mother.  But  I  Avill 
tell  this  truly :  yea  by  this  cornel  javelin,  I  will  lead  thee 
among  the  immortals,  glorious  and  prosperous,  and  will  give 
thee  splendid  gifts,  and  in  the  fulfillment  [of  my  promise 
will  not  deceive  thee.” 

But  him  Mercury  answered  with  cunning  words :  “  Thou  « 
askest  me  wisely,  O  F ar-Darter ;  but  I  envy  not  that  thou 
shouldst  make  an  attempt  at  my  art.  This  day  shalt  tliou 
know ;  but  I  wish  to  be  gentle  toward  thee  in  counsel  and  in 
words,  but  thou  in  thy  mind  well  knowest  all  things.  For 
thou,  O  son  of  Jove,  sittest  first  among  the  immortals,  both 
noble  and  valiant ;  and  counseling  Jove  loves  thee  in  all  jus¬ 
tice,  and  has  given  thee  glorious  gifts.  And  they  say  that 
thou  hast  learned  thy  prerogative®'  from  the  voice  of  Jove,  and 
oracles,  O  Far-Darter,  from  Jove,  all  things  fated.  And  now 
I  myself  recognize  [his]  wealthy®^  son.  But  ’tis  thine  prompt¬ 
ly  to  learn  whatever  thou  desirest.  And  since  then  thy  mind 
desires  to  touch  the  lyre,  sing,  and  strike  the  lyre,  and  prac¬ 
tice  deliglits,  having  received  [tlie  power]  from  me,  and  do 
you,  my  friend,  render  me  glory.  Chant,  having  this  sweet¬ 
voiced  comrade  in  thy  hands,  w  hich  skillfully  know’S®®  how  to 
sound  well  and  in  due  order.  Then  quietly  bear  joy'®  to  the 
pleasant  banquet,  and  the  delightful  dance,  and  the  laughter- 
loving"^  revel,  both  by  night  and  day.  Whoever  indeed,  being 
well  learned  in  art  and  wisdom,  shall  inquire  of  it,  uttering, 
it  teaches  all  pleasant  things  to  the  mind,  sporting  easily  in 
gentle  intercourse, avoiding  grievous  toil.  But  whoever, 
being  unskillful,  first  inquires  violently  [of  it],  vainly  after^ 
ward  babbles  vain  things.  But  Tis  thine  promptly  to  learn 

These  two  verses  are  from  cod.  Mosc.  Sec  Ilerm. 

“  Nec,  quod  ad  cffectionem  ])romissorum  attinet,  te  fallam.”  Henn. 

On  this  meaning  of  riyauc  see  Monk  on  Eur.  Alcest.  oO.  But  Mar¬ 
tin  ])laces  the  stop  after  v/yi/ac,  which  Ilermami  follows,  reading  ae  Ss 
(paai.  This  certainly  gets  rid  of  much  harshness.  On  the  oracles  re¬ 
ceived  by  Apollo  from  Jove,  see  Jfroukhus.  on  Tibull.  iii.  4,  47. 

Although  the  wealth  of  the  Delphian  temple  may  account  for  this 
epithet,  still  there  is  much  greater  aptitude  and  elegance  in  llermann’a 
reading,  Travon^aXov. 

Read  tmcrru/Ai-’j/r',  with  Barnes. 

Join  (pipdv  with  tixppoavvtiv. 

■’*  (piXopttSfu,  Cod.  Ihir.  B.  C.  Ivuhnk.  Ilerrn,  '  ' 

But  see  llermann. 


384 


HYMNS. 


[48G— 517 


■whatever  thou  dcsirest.  And  I  will  give  this  to  thee,  O  glo¬ 
rious  son  of  Jove.  Hut  we  in  turn,  O  Far-Darter,  will  attend 
to  the  pasturage  of  the  field-dwelling  cow^s  both  through  the 
mountain  and  the  horse-pasturing  plain.  Hence  will  our  cows, 
mingling  with  the  bulls,  bring  forth  enough,  both  females  and 
males  promiscuously,  nor  need  thou,  although  fond  of  gain,  be 
*  very  wrathfully  angered.” 

Thus  speaking,  he  stretched  forth  [the  lyre],  and  Phoebus 
Apollo  received  it,  and  to  Mercury  he  intrusted  his  shining 
goad,  and  committed  [to  him]  the  care  of  the  herds.  But  the 
son  of  Maia  received  it  joyfully.  Then  the  glorious  son  of 
Maia,  far-darting  Apollo,  taking  the  lyre  in  his  left  hand, 
tried  it  with  the  quill  note  by  note,  and  it  gave  a  clear  sound 
beneath  his  hand,"^  and  to  it  the  god  sang  beautifully.  Flere 
they  twain  indeed  turned  the  cows’^^  toward  the  divine  mead¬ 
ow,  but  the  beauteous  descendants  of  Jove  themselves  "went 
back  toward  snowy  Olympus,  delighted  -with  the  lyre,  and 
counseling  Jove  rejoiced,  and  brought  both  of  them  together 
into  friendship.  And  Mercury  indeed  loved  the  son  of  Lato- 
na  thoroughly,  as  [he]  now  also  [loves  him],'^  as  a  pledge  then 
[Mercury]  gave  the  pleasant  lyre  to  the  Far-Darter,  but  he, 
having  learned  it,"^^  played  on  it  under  his  arm.  And  he  him¬ 
self  in  turn  contrived  a  trick  of  another  kind  of  skill :  he 
made  the  far-sounding  voice  of  the  syrinx.  And  then  the 
son  of  Latona  addressed  Mercury  in  words : 

“I  fear,  O  son  of  IMercury,  cunning-plotting  messenger, 
lest  thou  rob''^  me  of  my  lyre  and  bent  bow.  For  thou  hast 
the  prerogative  from  Jove,  to  arrange  all  craft  among  men 
throughout  the  bounteous  earth.  But  if  thou  wilt  endure  to 
swear  me  the  mighty  oath  of  the  gods,  either  nodding  with  thy 
head  or  [swearing]  by'®  the  dreadful  w^ater  of  the  Styx,  that 
thou  wilt  do"®  all  that  is  joyful  and  pleasant  to  my  mind — ” 

TIeiniann  reads  ^  viro  vipQsv.  '*  (36ag  cod.  Mosc.  for  /3dfc. 

This  is  very  tame  and  trivial.  Hermann  ingeniously  reads  dia/.imp(g 
Vikn  Kfivov,  referring  to  Apollon.  Rh.  ii.  782,  iv.  430;  II.  ix.  lOG;  Od. 
viii.  245.  Cf.  Ilesych.  t.  i.  p.  1288. 

But  the  old  editions  join  {fifprijv  deSaujg,  6  S’  vtt.,  which  Hermann 
follows. 

’’  The  cod.  Mosc.  reads  llpa  KXixpjjg. 

For  ?)  tiri  Hermann  reads  t)L 

Bead  fpStiv  with  Hermann,  and  for  the  want  of  apodosis  compare 
hymn,  Apoll.  70. 


518—550.] 


II.  TO  MERCURY. 


385 


And  then  the  son  of  Maia  assented,  promising  that  he 
would  ne\er  steal  any  thing  that  the  Far-Darter  possessed, 
nor  ever  approach  his  well-built  dwelling.  But  Apollo,  the 
son  of  Latona,  assented  to  agreement  and  friendship,  that  no 
other  descendant  of  Jove,  neither  god  nor  man,  should  bo 
dearer  [to  him]  among  the  immortals.  “  But,  [said  he,]  I  will 
make  a  perfect  pledge^*^  among  the  immortals,  and  among  all,^^ 
faithful  and  precious  to  my  soul.  But  then  I  will  give  [thee] 
a  most  beauteous  rod  of  wealth  and  riches,  of  gold,  of  three 
leaves,  perfect,  which  shall  protect  thee,  having  power  over  all 
the  gods,®'-^  in  all  good  words  and  deeds,  as  many  as  I  profess 
to  have  learned  from  the  voice  of  Jove.  But  the  divination 
after  which  thou  seekest,  O  best  one,  it  is  not  lawful  for  tliee, 
nor  any  other  of  the  iinmortals,  to  understand;  for  this  the 
mind  of  Jove  [alone]  kens ;  and  when  I  w'as  intrusted  with 
the  gift,  I  assented,  and  swore  a  mighty  oath,  that  no  other 
of  the  ever-existing  gods,  but  me,  should  know  the  deep-coui  - 
seling  will  of  Jove.  Nor  do  thou,  O  brother  with  the  golden 
wand,  bid  me  proclaim  the  destinies,  as  many  as  far-seeing 
Jove  devises.  But  I  will  hurt  one  man,  and  benefit  another, 
going  about  many  tribes  of  mighty  men.  And  he  indeed  shall 
be  benefited  by  my  voices,  whoever  shall  come  with  the  voice 
and  wings  of  perfect  birds. He  shall  be  benefited  by  my 
voice,  nor  will  I  deceive  [him].®^  But  he  who,  relying  on 
vain-speaking  birds,  shall  wish  to  learn  an  oracle  contrary  to 
my  mind,  and  to  understand  more  than  the  gods  who  are  for 
aye,  he,  I  say,  shall  go  a  vain  journey,  but  1  will  receive  his 
gifts  nevertheless.®^  But  I  tell  thee  another  thing,  O  son  of 
the  gods  Maia  and  7Egis-bearing  Jove,  thou  beneficial  deity. 
There  are  a  certain  three  Thrians,^®  virgin  sisters  born,  cxult- 

i.  e.  a  pledge  that  shall  he  ratified. 

I  am  searcely  satisfied  respecting  this  passage. 

Here  the  reading  is  manifestly  absurd.  Hermann  well  reads  tiri- 
Kpalvova  ol/xovc  tTrsiov,  k.  t.  X. 

Understand  7n0t](Tag  from  vs.  542. 

This  line  is,  with  reason,  condemned  by  Erncsti. 

“That  man  shall  sea-ways  tread  that  leave  no  tracts, 

And  false,  and  no  guide  find  for  all  his  facts. 

And  yet  will  I  his  gifts  accept  as  well 

As  Ids  to  whom  the  simple  truth  I  tell.”  Chapman. 

I  have  ado])ted  this  masterly  restitution  of  Hermann’s,  in  lieu  of 
the  common  reading  Mo7pai,  and  cod.  Mosc.  (jfpvcu.  He  refers  to  Apol- 

R 


38G 


HYMNS. 


(|.*)oO — o  1 7. 


ing  in  their  swift  pinions,  and  with  their  heads  strewed  with 
hoary  wheat,  wlio  dwell  in  habitations  beneath  the  dell  of 
Parnassus,  teachers  of  prophecy  [dwelling]  apart,  which, 
while  a  boy  with  the  herds,  I  studied,  but  my  father  cared  not. 
From  thence,  then,  flying  each  in  different  ways,  they  feed  on 
honey,  and  bring  all  things  to  pass.  But  wlien  indeed  they 
wander  about,  feeding  on  the  fresh  honey,  they  are  willing 
to  tell  the  truth  promptly.  But  if  they  are  deprived  of  the 
sweet  food  of  the  gods,  they  then  endeavor  to  lead  one  out 
of  the  way.  These  will  I  afterward  give  to  thee,  but  do  thou, 
accurately  inquiring,  delight  thy  own  mind ;  land  if  thou 
knowest  a  mortal  man,  often  Avill  he  hear  thy  voice,  if  he 
chance,  Possess  this,  O  son  of  Maia,  and  attend  to  the 
field-dwelling  crumpled-horn  cows,  and  the  horses,  and  hard- 
toiling  mules :  and  that  thou,  glorious  IMercury,  shalt  rule 
over  dreadful  lions,  and  white-tusked  boars,  and  dogs,  and 
sheep,  and  over  all  cattle,  as  many  as  the  wide  earth  nourish¬ 
es,  and  that  thou  alone  shalt  be  the  perfect  messenger  into 
Hades,  and,  although  not  a  giver,  shalt  give  not  the  least  of 
gifts.” 

Thus  did  king  Apollo  cherish  the  son  of  IMaia  with  all 
manner  of  affection,  but  Saturnian  [Jove]  gave  good-will. 
And  he  associates  with  all  mortals  and  immortals ;  little,  in¬ 
deed,  does  he  benefit,  but  countlessly  deceives  the  tribes  of 
mortal  man  through  the  gloomy  night.  And  do  thou  then 
hail !  O  son  of  Jove  and  Maia,  but  I  will  be  mindful  of  thee 
and  of  another  song. 

lodor.  iii.  10,  2;  Zenob.  Prov.  Cent.  v.  75;  Etym.  IMagn.  p.  455,  34; 
Schol.  Callim.  in  Apoll.  45.  Compare  Hesych.  t.  i.  p,  1732,  Opiai  ai 
TrpiojxuvTHQ  (so  Berkel.  on  Stepli.  s.  v.  9p^^^),  See  Pinedo  on  Stepb.  Byz. 
p.  340. 

Of  this  line  I  can  make  nothing,  and  Ernesti  has  come  to  the  same 
conclusion,  obsendng,  “sensus  videtur  requirere:  si  mortales  juveris  sc. 
praidictiouibus  tuis,  turn  utique  scepc  te  consilient.” 


1—23.3 


III.  VENUS. 


387 


III.  TO  VENUS.  1 

Sing  to  me,  O  Muse,  the  deeds  of  golden  Cyprian  Venus, 
who  both  has  excited  sweet  love  among  the  gods,  and  has 
subdued  the  tribes  of  mortal  men,  and  the  heaven-descended 
birds,  and  all  beasts,  as  many  indeed  as  the  main  land,  and  as 
many  as  the  sea^  cherish  in  great  numbers.  But  to  all  of 
them  the  occupations  of  elegantly-crowned  Cytherea  are  a 
care.  But  three  minds  she  is  unable  to  persuade  or  deceive, 
[namely]  the  daughter  of  -3^gis  -  bearing  Jove,  dark-eyed 
Minerva;  for  her  the  occupations  of  golden  Venus  deliglit 
not,  but  wars  and  the  deeds  of  Mars  please  her,  and  conflict r, 
and  battles,  and  to  practice  renowned  deeds.  Pie  first  taught 
mortaP  workmen  to  make  wagons  and  various  chariots  in 
brass,  and  she  taught  soft-fleshed  virgins  splendid  works  in 
their  dwellings,  setting  them  in  the  mind  of  each.  Nor  does 
smile-loving  Venus  overcome  in  dalliance  resounding  Artemis 
of  the  golden  distaff.  P^or  to  her  the  bow  is  pleasant,"^  and  to 
slay  beasts  o’er  mountains,  and  lyres,  and  choirs,  and  piercing 
shouts,  and  shadowy  woods,  and  a  city  of  just  men.  Nor  in¬ 
deed  do  the  occupations  of  Venus  please  the  hallowed  virgin, 
Vesta,  to  whom  first  wily  Saturn  gave  birth,  and  last  again, ^ 

^  An  elegant  para])hrase  of  this  hymn,  which  Coleridge  (p.  299)  con¬ 
siders  as  “conceived  in  an  older,  more  Homeric  spirit,  than  any  of  the 
other  hymns,”  will  be  found  in  the  second  volume  of  Congreve’s  works. 
Muller,  Lit.  of  Greece,  vii.  (1,  says,  “  it  is  an  obvious  conjecture  that  this 
liymn  (tlie  tone  and  expression  of  which  has  much  of  the  genuine  Homer) 
was  sung  in  honor  of  j)rinces  of  the  family  of  TEneas,  in  some  town  of 
the  range  of  Ida,  where  the  same  line  continued  lo  reign  even  until  the 
Pelo})onnesian  war.”  Grotc,  vol.  i.  p.  73,  rather  thinks  that  it  was 
“probably  sung  at  one  of  the  festivals  of  Ajjhrodite  in  Cyi)rus.” 

^  Cf.  Euri]).  Hip])ol.  2,  sqq.,  and  447,  (poira  S’  ov  aiOip’,  tern  S’  iv 
QciXadaitp  \Lv7rpiQ,  TrdvTU  S’  tK  Tavrpg  ’i<pv.  Lucret.  i.  17,  “  De- 

nique  per  maria  ac  mentis,  fluviosque  rapacis.  Erundiferasque  domes 
avium,  camposque  virentis,  Omnibus  incutiens  blandum  per  pectora 
amorem,  Efficis,  ut  cu])ide  generatim  secla  propagent.” 

^  Hermann  prefers  t7r/y6'oj^/otc,*joining  it  with  Troitjcrai. 

*  Compare  the  i)rayer  of  Artemis  to  her  father  Jove,  in  Callimach.  in 
Dian.  G,  Sog  pot  TrapOtviijv  alwviov,  uTnra,  ^vXdaativ  .  .  .  Sog  S’  ievr  ^:ai 
Tu^a,  K.  T.  X. 

^  “Nemo,  quod  sciam,  liunc  locum  cxi)lioare  conatus,  Vestain  newpe 


588 


HYMNS. 


[23—55. 

by  the  counsel  of  JEgis-bearing  Jove,  liallowed  Neptune  and 
Apollo  wooed ;  but  she  was  altogether  unwilling,  and  vehe¬ 
mently  refused.  And  the  divine  of  goddesses  swore  a  mighty 
oath,  which  indeed  Avas  accomplished,  touching  the  head  of 
her  sire,  A^^gis-bearing  Jove,  [to  the  effect]  that  she  Avould 
be  a  virgin  all  her  days.  But  to  her  her  father  granted  a 
fair  gift  instead  of  marriage,  for  she  sat  down  in  the  midst 
of  the  dwelling,*^  enjoying  the  savor.  And  she  possesses  hon¬ 
or  in  all  the  temples  of  the  gods,  and  among  all  mortals  is 
the  most  honored  of  the  gods.  Of  these  [three]  she  is  un¬ 
able  to  persuade  or  beguile  the  minds,  but  of  others  there 
is  naught  that  can  escape  Venus,  neither  among  the  blessed 
gods,  nor  mortal  men.  Nay,  she  even  turns  aside  the  mind 
of  thunder-rejoicing  Jove,~  Avho  is  both  mightiest,  and  has 
been  allotted  the  mightiest  honor ;  and  having  beguiled  his 
mind,  when  she  wishes,  she  easily  mingles  him  with  mortal 
dames,  escaping  the  notice  of  his  sister-wife,  who  is  much  the 
most  beauteous  in  form  among  the  immortal  goddesses.  For 
Avily  Saturn  and  her  mother  llhea  brought  forth  her  most 
glorious,  but  Jove,  Avho  kens  imperishable  counsels,  made  her 
his  hallowed  Avife,  knowing  good  things.  But  into  [Venus] 
herself  Jove  cast  SAveet  desire  in  her  mind,  that  she  should 
enjoy  the  embraces  of  a  mortal  man,  that  Avith  all  speed  she 
herself  might  not  be  excluded  from  the  mortal  couch,  and 
smile-loving  Venus,  sweetly  smiling,  might  at  some  time 
boast  among  all  the  gods,  Iioav  that  she  had  mingled  the  gods 
Avith  mortal  Avomen,  and  mortals  had  borne®  [children]  to  im¬ 
mortals,  and  how  she  had  mingled  the  goddesses  Avith  mortal 
men.  And  he  infused  into  her  mind  SAA-eet  fondness  for 
Anchises,  Avho  then  on  the  lofty  mountains  of  many-rilled 
Ida,®  Avas  pasturing  his  herds,  like  unto  the  immortals  in 

jtriniam  Saturno  genitam,  lioc  cst  senior em ;  et  tamen  ultimam- 

(jue;  cinn  sunt  Juno  et  Ceres,  pviores.  Ij)se  tamen  ]ioeta  inox  cxjilicat 
quoilaininoclo,  ubi  Ttpoiry  kciI  Trofianj  'Ear/y  OTrindtoOai  \eyei,  xxviii.  vs. 
5.”  Barnes. 

*  Alluding  to  the  ])lacc  Avhere  Venus  was  supposed  to  preside.  Fir- 

inicus  do  Err,  Prof.  Rel.  j).  19.  “  Vesta  autem  (piid  sit  discite,  ne  putc- 

tis  antiquum  aliquid,  ant  cum  summo  terrore  inventum.  Ignis  est  do- 
mesticus,  qui  in  focis  quotidianis  nsibus  servit.”  Albricus  de  Deor. 
Imagg.§  17,  “crat  enim  tcmplum  (Vestce)  latum  et  spatiosum,  cum  ara 
i:i  medio."  Cf.  Serv.  on  Virg.  .i'En.  ii.  290. 

’  Cf.  Eur.  Ilipp.  453,  sqq.  “  Bead  rtKov  Avitb  Hermann. 

*  Cf.  Coleridge,  p.  299. 


5G-92.] 


III.  TO  VENUS. 


389 


frame.  Him  then  when  smile-loving  Venus  had  beheld,  she 
loved,  and  violently  did  love  seize  her  in  mind,  and  coming 
into  Cyprus,  she  entered  her  incense-fraught  temple  at  Pa¬ 
phos,  where  she  has  a  temple  and  an  incense-fraught  altar. 
Here  she  entering,  put  to  the  shining  doors,  and  here  the 
Graces^^^  washed  her,  and  anointed  her  witli  ambrosial  oil, 
such  as  blossoms  on  the  gods  who  arc  forever,  ambrosial, 
precious,  which  was  offered  in  honor  of  her.  And  smile-lov¬ 
ing  Venus,  when  she  had  put  on  all  her  beauteous  garments 
around  her  form,  being  adorned  with  gold,  set  out  to  Troy, 
quitting  sweet-scented  Cyprus,  swiftly  making  her  way  through 
the  clouds  on  high.  And  she  reached  many-rilled  Ida,  the 
mother  of  Avild  beasts,  and  went  straight  through  the  mount¬ 
ain  to  the  stall,  and  after  her  fawning  went  the  hoary  Avolves 
and  savage  lions,  the  bears  and  swift  pards,  insatiate  after  the 
hinds.  Put  she  was  delighted  in  mind,  as  she  perceived 
[them],  and  into  their  breasts  inspired  lovc.^^  And  they  all 
in  pairs  retired  to  rest  in  the  shadowy  recesses.  But  she  her¬ 
self  came  into  the  well-built  huts,  and  found  the  hero  Anchises 
left  in  the  stalls,  apart  from  the  rest,  possessing  beauty  from 
the  gods.  But  they  all  Avere  following  the  herds  through  the 
grassy  ])asturcs,  but  he,  left  alone  from  the  rest  in  the  stalls, 
Avas  i)acing  to  and  fro,  clearly  stidking  the  lyre.  And  near 
before  him  stood  Venus,  the  daughter  of  Jove,  like  in  height 
and  figurc^2  uiiAvedded  virgin,  lest  he  should  be  terrified 

on  perceiving  her.  But  Anchises,  Avhen  he  beheld,  reflected 
and  marveled  at  her  form,  and  height,  and  splendid  garments. 
For  she  had  put  on  a  robe  more  shining  than  the  dame  of 
fire,  and  she  had  bended  circlets  and  shining  pendent  drops, 
and  there  Avere  most  beautiful  necklaces  around  her  neck, 
beautiful,  golden,  all-variegated,  and  cround  her  smooth  breast 
slie  shone  like  tlic  moon,  a  marvel  to  behold.  But  Ioa'C  seized 
Anchises,  and  he  addressed  her  in  Avords; 

“  Hail,  O  queen,  Avhoever  thou  art  of  tlie  blest  that  coraesf 

Cf.  Odyss.  9.  3G2,  sqq.,  where  these  lines  '.k’so  cccur. 

Cf.  Lucret.  above  quoted. 

“For  every  glance  slie  gives,  soft  fire  imparts, 

Enkindling  sweet  desire  in  savage  hearts. 

'  InH allied  with  love  all  single  out  their  mates, 

And  to  their  shady  dens  each  pair  retreats.”  Congreve. 

12  “  Virginis  os  habitumquc  gcrens.”  Virg.  iEn.  i.  315. 

“  I  am  in  some  doubt  about  the  meaning  ot'  i:aXvKar. 


390 


HYMNS. 


[93—127. 


to  this  dwelling,  Diana,  or  Latona,^^  or  golden  Venus,  or  well¬ 
born  Tliemis,  or  dark-eyed  Minerva,  or  whether  thou  hast 
come  hither  [being]  one  of  the  Graces,  who  associate  with  all 
the  gods,  and  are  called  immortal,  or  one  of  the  nymphs  who 
inhabit  beautiful  woods,  or  of  the  nymphs  who  dwell  on  this 
beautiful  mountain, and  the  fountains  of  rivers  and  the  gras¬ 
sy  valleys.  But  unto  thee  I  will  make  an  altar  on  a  lofty 
rock,  in  a  conspicuous  place,  and  I  Avill  oflrer  thee  beautiful 
victims  at  all  liours.  But  do  thou,  having  a  well-wishing 
disposition,  grant  tliat  I  may  be  a  conspicuous  hero^®  among 
the  Trojans,  and  make  my  progeny  hereafter  flourishing,  but 
[grant]  that  I  myself  may  live  well  and  long,  and  behold  the 
light  of  the  sun,  blest  among  the  people,  and  may  reach  the 
threshold  of  old  age.” 

But  him  Venus,  the  daughter  of  Jove,  then  answered: 

Anchises,  most  glorious  of  men  born  upon  the  earth,  I  am 
no  god  indeed;  why  dost  thou  equal  me  with  the  immortals'? 
But  [I  am]  both  mortal,  and  a  woman  mother  gave  me  birth. 
But  my  father  is  renowned  Atreus,  if  perchance  thou  hast 
heard  his  name,  who  rules  over  all  Avell-fortified  Phrygia. 
But  I  know  your  language  and  our  own  clearly,  for  a  Trojan^" 
nurse  cherished  me  in  my  home,  and  she  trained  up  me,  a 
little  girl,  having  received  me  from  my  mother.  Thus  there¬ 
fore  I  well  understand  your  language  also.  But  now  the 
golden-wanded  slayer  of  Argus  has  snatched  me  away  out  of 
the  choir  of  golden-distaifed,  resounding  Diana.  For  we, 
a  number  of  nymphs  and  Alphesiboean  virgins,  were  at  play, 
and  a  countless  multitude  crown-like  surrounded  us ;  whence 
the  golden-wanded  slayer  of  Argus  snatched  me  away.  And 
he  led  me  to  many  works  of  mortal  men,  and  also  to  much  un- 
•allotted  and  unbuilt  [country],  through  which  flesh-devour¬ 
ing  wild  beasts  make  their  way  in  shady  recesses,  nor  did  I 
seem  to  touch  the  life-breathing  earth  with  my  feet.  But  he 
said  that  I  should  be  called  a  wedded  wife  at  tlic  bed  of  An¬ 
chises,  and  should  bear  thee  glorious  children.  But  after  he 

Compare  the  similar  address  of  JEncas  in  Virg.  iEn.  i.  332:  “O 
dea  certe  ;  An  Phmbi  soror,  an  nympharum  sanguinis  una?”  Cf.  Ile- 
liodor.  Etluop.  i.  2,  Chariton,  i.  p.  1,  with  D’Orville’s  notes. 

I  agree  with  Kuhnken  in  condemning  this  line  as  a  frigid  interpo^ 
lation. 

But  Hermann  reads  alei  instead  of  av^pa,  and  with  reason. 

”  Erncsti’s  emendation  is  confirmed  by  cod.  Mosc. 


128— IGL] 


III.  TO  VENUS. 


391 


had  shown  and  spoken  this,  straightway  the  potent  slayer  of 
Argus  went  back  to  the  tribes  of  the  gods.  But  I  have  come 
to  thee,  and  there  was  a  strong  necessity  for  me  [to  do  so]. 
But  I  beseech  thee  by  Jove  and  by  thy  excellent  parents  (for 
no  mean  pair  could  have  produced  such  an  one  [as  thee]), 
leading  me,  untouched,  and  unskilled  in  love,  show  me  to  thy 
father,  and  to  thy  mother  who  is  skilled  in  prudence,  and  to 
tliy  sisters,  who -are  of  the  same  race  to  them.  I  Avill  not  be 
an  unworthy  daughter-in-law  to  them,  but  such  as  is  meet. 
Whether  I  shall  in  aught  be  an  unworthy  woman,  or  not  so.^® 
And  send  a  messenger  quickly  to  the  swift-horsed  Phrygians, 
to  tell  my  sire  and  my  mother,  anxious  as  she  must  be.  But 
they  will  send  enough  both  of  gold  and  of  woven  vesture  ;  but 
do  thou  receive  the  many  and  glorious  gifts.  But  doing  this, 
celebrate  the  pleasant  feast  of  nuptials  honorable  to  men  and 
to  tlie  immortal  gods.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  the  goddess  instilled  sweet  desire  into 
liii  mind,  and  love  seized  Anchises,  and  he  spoke,  and  ad¬ 
dressed  her  :  If  indeed  thou  art  mortal,  and  a  mortal  mother 
bjre  thee,  and  thy  illustrious  father  is  bight  Atreus,  as  th6u 
saj^est,  and  thou  hast  come  hither  at  the  behest  of  the  im¬ 
mortal  messenger  Mercury,  and  thou  slialt  be  called  my  wife 
all  my  day.s,  then  no  one  neither  of  gods  nor  of  mortal  men 
shall  here  restrain  me,  before  I  forthwith  bo  mingled  in  thine 
embrace ;  no,  not  if  far-darting  Apollo  himself  let  fly  the 
irrievous  shafts  from  his  silver  bow.  I  would  then  be  willine:, 
O  woman  like  unto  the  goddesses,  having  ascended  thy  couch, 
to  enter  within  the  dwelling  of  Hades.” 

Thus  saying,  he  took  her  hand,  and  smile-loving  Venus 
turning  round,  went,  casting  down  her  beauteous  eyes,  to  the 
well-spread  couch,  which  before  was  spread  for  the  king 
with  soft  garments,  but  above  there  lay  the  skins  of  bears, 
and  loud-voiced  lions,  which  he  himself  had  slain  on  the 

This  isliopeless  nonsense,  as  tlie  text  now  stands.  Ruhnken  seems 
rif^ht  in  considering^  tliis  verse  as  an  awkward  con]])ound  of  two  others, 
but  I  can  find  no  satisfactory  emendation. 

”  “Nor  should  Apollo  with  his  silver  how 

Shoot  me  to  instant  death,  would  I  forbear 
To  do  a  deed  so  full  of  cause  so  dear. 

For  with  a  heaven  sweet  woman  I  will  lie; 

Though  straight  I  stoop  the  house  of  Dis,  and  die.” 

Chapman  , 


892 


HYMNS. 


[1 02—189. 


lofty  mountains.  But  when  they  liad  ascended  the  well- 
wrought  couc'h,  lie  first  took  the  shining  ornaments  otf  lier 
body,  the  brooches,  and  bended  circlets,  and  tlie  pendent 
drops  and  necklaces.  And  Ancliiscs  loosed  her  girdle,  and 
stripped  off  her  splendid  garments,  and  jilaced  !ier  on  the  gold- 
studded  throne.  But  he  then,  under  the  behest  and  destiny 
of  the  gods,  was  couched  with  the  immortal  goddess,  not 
clearly  knowing  it.  But  when  the  shepherds  again  return 
back  into  the  stall,  and  the  cows  and  sturdy-®  sheep  from  the 
flowery  pastures,  then  indeed  she  breathed  sweet  sleep  into 
Anchises,  painless,  but  she  herself  put  beautiful  garments 
around  her  body.  And  when  the  divine  one  of  goddesses  had 
put  on  all  [her  garments]  around  her  body,  she  stood  by  the 
couch  of*  the  well-made  dwelling,  she  raised  her  head,  and 
immortal  beauty  shone  from  her  cheeks,  such  as  is  [the  beau¬ 
ty]  of  beautifully-crowned  Cytherea.  And  she  aroused  him 
from  slumber  and  spoke,  and  addressed  him  : 

“  Arise,  son  of  Dardanus,  why  slecpest  thou  an  unwakeful 
sleep'?  and  say,  whether  I  seem  to  be  at  all  like  what  thou 
at  first  didst  perceive  me  with  thine  eyes. ”21 

Thus  she  spoke,  but  he  heard  very  briskly  from  his  sleep, 
but  when  he  beheld  the  neck  and  beauteous  eyes  of  Venus,  he 
dreaded,  and  turned  his  eyes  another  way.  And  again  he 
hid  his  fair  face  in  his  garment,  and  beseeching  her,  he  spoke 
winged  words :  “  Immediately,  O  goddess,  that  I  first  beheld 
thee  with  mine  eyes,  I  perceived  that  thou  wast  a  goddess; 
but  thou  didst  not  speak  the  truth.  But,  I  implore  thee  by 
JEgis-bcaring  Jove,  leave  me  not  to  live  weak^-^  among  mor- 

Perhaps  answering  to  the  “])Ctulci”  of  Virgil;  “fat  and  frofic 
shec]),”  is  Chapman’s  version. 

•*  “ - Anchises,  wake ; 

Thy  fond  repose  and  lethargy  forsake : 

Look  on  the  nymph  wdio  late  from  Phrygia  came, 

Behold  me  well — say,  if  1  seem  the  same.”  Congreve. 

Anchises  seems  to  have  been  subsequently  punished  by  paralysis 
caused  by  a  flash  of  lightning.  Cf.  Serviiis  on  JEn.  ii.  Gt9,  “Cum  inter 
tequales  exultaret  Anchises,  gloriatus  traditnr  de  concubitu  Veneris  : 
quod  cum  Jovi  Venus  questa  esset,  emeruit  ut  in  Anchisem  fulmina  mit- 
terentur ;  sed  Venus  cum  cum  fulmine  posse  vidisset  interimi,  miscrata 
juventas;  in  aliam  })artem  detorsit;  Anchises  tamen  afflatus  igne  cce- 
lesti,  semper  debilis  vixit.”  llesych.,  a/xevrivd,  doBtvriy  Kard  (jrepTjaiv  Tijg 
dvvdptiog. 


190—232,] 


III.  TO  VENUS. 


393 


tals,  since  that  man  is  not  long-lived,  who  couches  with  the 
immortal  goddesses.” 

But  him  Venus,  the  daughter  of  Jove,  then  answered; 
“  Ancliises,  most  glorious  of  mortal  men,  be  of  good  cheer, 
and  fear  not  overmuch  in  thy  mind.  For  there  is  no  fear 
that  thou  Avilt  suffer  evil  from  me  at  least,  nor  from  the  other 
blessed  gods,  since  thou  art  dear  to  the  gods.  And  thou  shalt 
have  a  beloved  son  who  shall  rule  over  the  Trojans,  and  chil¬ 
dren  shall  be  born  to  [his]  children  throughout.  But  his 
name  shall  be  ^neas,  since  sad“^  grief  possessed  me,  because 
I  liad  fallen  into  the  bed  of  a  mortal  man.  But  from  thy 
race  the  gods  shall  ever  be  most  near  to  mortal  men  both  in 
form  and  mien.  Thus  counseling  Jove  snatched  away  yel¬ 
low-haired  Ganymede  on  account  of  his  beauty,  that  he  might 
dwell  with  the  immortals,  and  in  the  house  of  Jove  he  is  cup¬ 
bearer  to  the  gods,  a  marvel  to  behold,  honored  among  all  the 
immortals,  pouring  ruby  nectar  from  a  golden  cup.  But  un¬ 
ceasing  grief  possessed  the  mind  of  Tros,  nor  knew  he  whith¬ 
er  the  heaven-sent  whirlwind  had  snatched  away  his  beloved 
son.  Him  then  he  mourned  continually  throughout  all  days. 
And  Jove  pitied  him,  and  gave  him  rewards  instead  of  his 
son,  swift -footed  steeds,  which  bear  along  the  immortals. 
Them  he  gave  to  him  as  a  gift,  and  the  messenger,  the  slayer 
of  Argus,  told  him  each  matter,  at  the  behest  of  Jove,  that  he 
should  be  immortal  and  free  from  old  age  all  his  days.  But 
when  he  heard  the  messages  of  Jove,  he  no  longer  groaned, 
but  rejoiced  within  his  mind,  and  rejoicing  was  carried  by  his 
swift-footed  steeds.  And  in  like  manner  golden-throned  Morn 
snatched  away  Tithonus  [sprung]  from  your  race,  like  unto 
tlie  immortals.  But  she  went  to  beseech  the  black-clouded 
sw'.i  of  Saturn,  that  iie  n'llght  be  immortal  and  live  all  days ; 
and  to  her  Jove  assented,  and  fulfilled  her  request.  Foolish 
slie  !  nor  did  revered  Morn  think  in  her  mind  to  ask  for  youth 
[for  him],  and  to  rub  off  })ernicious  old  age.  So  as  long  as 
much-loved  youth  })ossessed  him,  delighting  himself  with  gold- 
cn-throned  Morn,  the  mother  of  day,  he  dwelt  at  tlie  stream 
of  ocean,  at  the  boundaries  of  the  garth.  But  wdien  the  first 
white  hairs  Avere  poured  from  his  beautiful  head  and  noble 
beard,  then  indeed  revered  Morn  abstained  from  liis  bed,  but 
nurtured  him  in  turn,  keeping  him  in  her  dAvel lings,  Avith 

A  pun  on  aivbc,  prief,  and  ^Eneas- 

ll  2 


394 


HYMNS. 


[233—261. 


food,  and  ambrosia,  and  giving  him  beauteous  garments.  But 
when  hateful  old  age  was  completely  pressing  on,  and  he  was 
not  able  to  move  or  raise  his  limbs,  then  this  seemed  to  her 
in  her  mind  the  best  plan  :  she  placed  him  in  a  bedchamber 
and  put  shining  doors  to  it.  His  voice  indeed  flows^^  over 
talkatively,  nor  is  there  any  longer  such  strength  in  his  flex¬ 
ile  members  as  [there  was]  before.  I  would  not  choose  thee 
to  be  such  among  the  immortals,  to  be  immortal,  and  to  live 
all  days.  But  if  indeed,  being  such  in  form  and  hgure,  thou 
couldst  live,  and  be  called  my  husband,  grief  would  not  then 
surround  my  deep  thoughts.  But  now  old  age,  equal  [to  all], 
will  quickly  surround  thee,  merciless!  which  afterward  comes 
upon  men,  destructive,  toilsome,  which  the  gods  hate.  But 
to  me  will  there  be  great  reproach  all  days  on  account  of 
thee,  among  the  gods,  who  hitherto  dreaded  my  converse  and 
devices,  by  which  I  have  at  some  time  mingled  all  the  im¬ 
mortals  with  mortal  women.  For  my  device  has  subdued  all. 
IFit  now  indeed  no  longer  will  my  mouth  be  opened^^  to  men¬ 
tion  this  among  immortals,  since  I  am  .much  hurt,  hardly,  un¬ 
bearably,  and  have  wandered  in  mind,  and,  couched  with  a 
mortal,  have  conceived  a  son  beneath  my  zone.  Plim  indeed, 
as  soon  as  he  shall  first  behold  the  light  of  the  sun,  shall  the 
mountain-dwelling,  deep-bosomed  nymphs  nourish,  Avho  in¬ 
habit  this  mighty  and  divine  mountain,  who  indeed  are  neither 
mortals  nor  immortals. Long,^'^  indeed,  they  live,  and  cat 

But  Ilgen  reads  rpei  denrerov^  from  II.  xvii.  332,  meaning,  I  sup¬ 
pose,  to  express  the  indistinct  accents  of  a  person  wlio  speaks  undev  the 
influence  of  fear.  Ilesycli.  rptiv  (pofSeiaQai,  (^tvyeiv. 

“All  pow’rs  so  quite  decay’d,  that  -when  he  spake, 

Ilis  voice  no  perceptible  accent  brake.”  Chapman. 

“Of  youth,  of  vigor,  and  of  voice  bereft.”  Congreve. 

I  have  adopted  x^iaeTai,  Martin’s  conjecture,  with  Ernesti  ami  Her¬ 
mann. 

*®  Hermann  rightly  explains  this  sense  of  iirovrai,  “qua;  neque  in 
mortalibus  neque  in  immortalibus  numerantiir.”  Congreve  has  well 
expressed  this  : 

“They  nor  of  mortal,  nor  immortal  seed. 

Are  said  to  spring,  yet  on  ambrosia  feed.” 

The  reader  will  find  some  good  illustrations  of  this  fable  in  Barnes, 
but  I  can  not  help  transcribing  the  following  quaint  remarks  from  a  note 
on  Congreve’s  Translation,  vol.  ii.  p.  476.  “Ausonius,  from  Hesiod, 
computes  the  life  of  a  man  at  ninety-six  years  ;  a  crow,  he  says,  lives 


20 1—21)  4.] 


III.  TO  VENUS. 


395 


ambrosial  food,  and  the  immortals  raise  up  the  beauteous  quire. 
And.  with  them  the  Sileni  and  the  sharp  scout,  the  slayer  of 
AJtgus,  were  mingled  in  love,  in  a  recess  of  the  pleasant  caves. 
But  together  with  them  at  their  birth  were  born  either  beech- 
trees  or  high-crested  oaks  upon  the  bounteous  earth,  beaute¬ 
ous,  standing  exposed  to  the  sun  in  lofty  mountains,  but  they 
call  them  the  groves  of  the  immortals,  Avhich  mortals  never 
crop  with  the  steel ;  but  when  the  destiny  of  death  is  now  at 
liand,  the  beauteous  trees  are  first  dried  up  upon  the  earth, 
and  the  bark  perishes  round  them,  and  the  boughs  fall  olf, 
and  at  the  same  ^ time  their  life  quits  the  light  of  the  sun. 
They  indeed  shall  cherish  my  son,  having  him  with  them. 
And  when  pleasant  youth  first  possesses  him,  the  goddesses 
will  lead  him  hither  to  thee,  and  show  thy  son.  And  unto 
thee — that  I  may  pass  over  all  these  matters  in  my  mind — I 
will  come  after  five  years,  bringing  thy  son.  But  when  thou 
slialt  first  behold  this  branch  with  thine  eyes,  thou  wilt  rejoice 
at  the  sight,  for  he  will  be  very  godlike,  and  thou  wilt  straight¬ 
way  lead  him  to  wind-swept  Thurii.  But  if  any  one  of  mor¬ 
tal  men  shall  ask  thee  what  mother  conceived  a  dear  son  for 
thee  beneath  her  girdle,  to  him  be  thou  mindful  to  say,  as  I 
bid  thee,  [thus :]  They  say,^®  that  lie  is  the  offspring  of  the 
nymph  Calycopis,  who  inhabit  this  mountain  clad  in  wood. 
But  if  indeed  thou  shalt  speak  out  and  boast  with  foolish 
mind,  that  thou  Avast  mingled  in  dalliance  Avith  well-croA\med 
Cytherea,  Joa’C,  enraged,  shall  smite  thee  with  the  smoulder¬ 
ing  lightning.  All  is  told  to  thee,  but  do  thou,  understand¬ 
ing  in  thy  mind,  restrain  thyself,  nor  mention  my  name.  But 
guard  against  the  AAU'ath  of  the  gods.’’ 

Thus  having  spoken,  she  leaped  forth  toAvard  the  Avindy 
heaven.  Hail,  O  goddess,  ruling  OA’cr  Avcll-built  Cyprus,  and 
I,  beginning  from  thee,  Avill  pass  on  to  another  hymn. 

iiin3  times  as  long;  a  deer  four  times  as  long  as  a  crow;  a  raven  three 
times  as  long  as  a  deer;  the  ])lioenix  ten  times  as  long  as  a  raven;  and 
these  llamadryades  live  ten  times  as  long  as  the  phomix.  But  the  most 
received  opinion  was,  that  they  lived  just  as  long  as  their  trees.  There¬ 
fore,  this  from  Ausonius,  seems  rather  to  refer  to  the  Dryades,  and  the 
duration  of  a  whole  wood ;  for  there  are  frequent  instances  where  they 
were  indifferenl»ly  called  Dryades  and  llamadryades  by  the  ancient  j)oets. 
They  were  very  sensible  of  good  oliices,  and  grateful  to  them  who  at 
any  time  preserved  their  trees.” 

But  Matthiaj  and  Hermann,  Avith  reason,  read  0na0at,  “say  that 
he  is,”  etc. 


396 


HYMNS. 


[iv.  V.  1 — 3. 


IV.  TO  THE  SAME.2» 

I  WILL  sing  hallowed,  golden-crowned,  beauteous  Venus, 
who  has  obtained  the  fortresses  of  all  maritime  Cyprus,  where 
the  force  of  gentle-breathing  Zephyr  bore  her  o’er  the  wave 
of  the  much-resounding  sea,  on  the  soft  foam.  But  her  the 
golden-frontleted  Honrs  joyfully  received,  and  put  on  her  im¬ 
mortal  garments,  and  upon  her  immortal  head  they  put  a  well- 
wrought  crown,  beauteous,  golden,  and  in  her  perforated  ears 
a  gift  of  oricholchum  and  precious  gold.  And  they  decked 
her  tender  neck  and  white  bosom  around  with  golden  carca- 
nets,  with  which  also  the  Hours  themselves,  with  golden  front- 
lets,  were  adorned,  whenever  they  went  to  the  pleasant  dance 
of  the  gods  and  the  dwelling  of  their  sire.  But  after  they 
had  put  the  whole  ornaments  around  her  form,  they  led  her 
to  the  immortals ;  but  they,  when  they  beheld,  saluted  her, 
and  welcomed  her  with  their  right  hands,  and  wished  each 
that  she  might  be  his  wedded  wife,  and  to  lead  her  home, 
marveling  at  the  form  of  violet-crowned  Cytherea.  Hail ! 
thou  eye-winker,  sweet-voiced  one,  and  grant  that  1  may  bear 
otF  the  victory  in  this  contest,  and  aid  my  song.  But  1  will 
be  mindful  of  thee  and  another  song. 


V.  BACCHUS,  OK  THE  ITKATES. 

Concerning^  Bacchus,  the  son  of  glorious  Semele,  I  will 
make  mention,  how  he  appeared  on  the  shore  of  the  unfruitful 
sea,  upon  a  jutting  beach,"  like  unto  a  young  man  in  the  lirst 

These  minor  hymns  are  considered  by  Coleridjjjc  to  be  “mere  pre¬ 
ludes  or  short  preparatory  addresses  to,  or  eulopes  of,  the  divinity  at 
wlioso  festival  the  rhapsode  was  ])resent,  and  was  about  to  recite  some 
])oem  of  greater  length.”  Introd.  j).  285.  The  brief  mythological  notes 
of  Barnes  may  prove  useful  to  the  student. 

^  This  formula  of  commencing  a  hymn  is  well  illustrated  by  Barnes 
from  Aristoph.  Nub.  50.5,  and  Suidas,  v. 

^  But  Ernesti  would  read  aKpy,  comparing  Nonnus  xlr.  p.  11G4, 


4—35.] 


V.  BACCHUS,  OR  THE  PIRATES. 


397 


bloom  of  youth,  while  his  beauteous  dark  tresses  were  sbaken 
around,  and  he  wore  a  purple  mantle  about  his  sturdy  shoul¬ 
ders.  But  quickly  came  Tyrrhenian  pirates  from  the  well- 
benched  ship  upon  the  dark  sea,  and  evil  fate  led  it  on.  But 
they,  perceiving  [him],  beckoned  to  one  another,  and  quickly 
leaped  out,  and  speedily  having  seized  him,  they  seated  him 
in  their  ship,  rejoicing  at  heart.  E'er  they  said  that  he  was  a 
son  of  Jove-nurtured  princes,  and  wished  to  bind  him  in  griev¬ 
ous  fetters.  But  him  the  fetters  restrained  not,  and  the  withy 
bands  fell  far  otf  from  his  hands  and  feet ;  and  he  sat  smiling 
with  his  dark  eyes,  but  the  pilot,  perceiving,  straightway  gave 
orders  to  his  comrades,  and  addressed  them. 

“  Miserable  men  !  who  is  this  powerful  god  who  ye,  having 
seized,  have  bound  ?  Nor  is  the  well-constructed  sliip  able  to 
bear  him.  P''or  either  he  is  Jove,  or  silver-bowed  Apollo,  or 
Neptune;  since  he  is  not  like  unto  mortal  men,  but  to  the 
gods  who  possess  the  Olympian  dwellings.  But  come,  let  us 
forthwith  leave  him  upon  the  dark  main  land,  nor  lay  your 
hands  upon  him,  lest,  being  at  all  enraged,  he  stir  up  trouble¬ 
some  gales  and  a  mighty  whirlwind.” 

Thus  he  spake,  but  him  the  captain  rebuked  with  bitter 
speech :  “  My  good  man,  look  to  the  prosperous  gale,  and  at 
the  same  time  draw  up  the  sail  of  the  ship,  having  made  full 
tackle.  But  this  one  shall  be  a  care  to  men.  I  hope  that  he 
will  come  or  to  Egypt,  or  to  Cyprus,  or  to  the  Hyperboreans, 
or  yet  farther,  and  that  he  will  at  last  declare  both  his  friends, 
and  all  his  j)ossessions,  and  his  brethren ;  since  fortune  has 
presented  liim  to  us^” 

Tlius  having  spoken,  he  drew  up  the  mast  and  sail  of  the 
ship,  and  the  wind  breathed  upon  the  middle  of  the  sail,  and 
around  it  they  stretched  out  the  cordage.  But  quickly  to 
them  appeared  wondrous  deeds. ^  First  indeed  sweet-scented 

aiyiaXoio  Trap’  o<ppvaiv.  He  for{];ot  Od.  xxiv.  82,  ojcry  tTvi  Trpovxovmj^ 
which  Hesych.  t.  i.  p.  212,  intei'ijrcts,  tv  np  iKsxovri  p,kpH  tov  aiyiaXov. 
The  same  grammarian  also  explains  it  by  TrapaOaXdaauic  totto^.  There 
is  the  same  distinction  between  our  words  “  shore”  and  “  beach.”  More¬ 
over,  that  ukd)  means  the  projecting  rocky  parts  of  the  sliorc,  which  art- 
most  beaten  by  the  waves,  but  Olveg  the  sandy,  is  evident  from  the  Schol. 
on  II.  ii.  395,  on  Soph.  Aj.  414,  and  Aminonius,  p.  9,  where  see  Valck. 

^  Cf.  Seneca,  Q^d.  449.  “Te  Tyrrhena  piier  ra])uit  manns,  Et  tu. 
midum  Nereus  posuit  marc,  Cocrula  cum  pratis  mutat  freta.  Huic  ver- 
nus  plataims  folio  viret,  Et  Phoebo  hiiirus  carum  nemus,  Garrula  p«v  ra- 


398 


HYMNS. 


\_35— 59. 


wine  bubbled  througli  the  swift  black  ship,  and  an  ambrosial 
savor  arose,  and  dread  seized  all  the  sailors  as  they  beheld. 
And  straightway  a  vine  was  stretched  out  by  the  highest  top 
of  the  sail,  on  this  side  and  that,  and  many  clusters  hung 
down.  And  around  the  mast  the  dark  ivy,  flourishing  in 
blossoms,  was  entwined,  and  the  pleasant  fruit  sprang  forth, 
and  all  the  thongs  [of  the  oars]  w^ere  furnished  with  crowns. 
But  they  perceiving  it,  then  bade  Medides,'^  their  pilot,  put  to 
land.  But  he  in  their  sight  became  a  dreadful  lion  within  the 
ship,  upon  its  summit,  and  he  roared  mightily,  and  in  the 
middle  [of  the  ship]  he  made  a  shaggy-necked  bear,  showing 
forth  marvels.  And  he  arose  eagerly,  but  dreadful'’  was  the 
lion  upon  the  top  of  the  bench,  scowling  savagely,  but  they 
fled  terrified  to  the  poop,  and  stood  astounded  around  the  pi¬ 
lot  who  [alone]  possessed  a  prudent  mind.  But  he*’  hastily 
making  an  onslaught,  seized  the  captain,  and  they,  shunning 
evil  fate,  all  at  once  leaped  out,  when  they  beheld  him,  into 
the  boundless  sea,  and  became  dolphins.  But  pitying  the  pi¬ 
lot,  [Bacchus]  restrained  him,  and  rendered  him  all  fortunate, 
and  spake  thus : 

“  Be  of  good  cheer,  noble  pilot, most  grateful  to  my  mind. 
But  I  am  Bacchus  the  loud-sounding,  whom  a  Cadmeian 
mother  Semele  bore,  mingling  in  the  embrace  of  Jove.” 

Hail !  son  of  fair-faced  Semele ;  never  is  it  possible,  for¬ 
getting  thee,  to  adorn  the  sweet  song.® 

mos  avis  obstrepit,  vivaccs  ederns  ramus  tenet,  Summa  ligat  vitis  car- 
chesia,  ideeus  prora  fremuit  leo,”  etc.  Of.  Propert.  iii.  17,  ?5  ;  Ovid. 
Met.  iii.  GOG,  sqq. ;  Hygin.  Fab.  cxxxiv.;  Lactant.  Placid.  Arg.;  Ovid. 
Met.  iii.  fob.  9,  10. 

^  In  other  authors  he  is  called  Acmtcs.  I  myself  think,  witli  Ilermanm 
that  an  accusative  is  Avanting.  lie  ingeniously  reads  vTf  fjSt). 

®  This  must  be  the  sense,  as  diivuv  vTrodpa  can  hardly  be  joined. 

‘  Bacchus,  in  his  lion’s  form. 

''  This  word  is  very  doubtful.  Sec  Hermann. 

“And  thus,  all  excellence  of  grace  to  thee, 

Son  of  sweet-count’nance-carrying  Semele. 

I  must  not  thee  forget,  in  least  degree; 

But  pray  thy  s})irit  to  render  so  my  song, 

Sweet,  and  all  wavs  in  order’d  fury  strong.” 


Chapman. 


VI.  1—17.  vii.  1—1.  J 


HYMNS. 


399 


VI.  TO  MARS.^ 

Most  mighty  Mars,  weigher-down  of  chariots,  gold-casqued, 
great -minded,  shield -bearing,  city  -  preserver,  brass -equipped, 
strong -handed,  untired,  powerful  in  the  spear,  bulwark  of 
Olympus,  father  of  well- warred  victory,  aider  of  justice,  tyrant 
over  opponents,  leader  of  most  upright  men,  chieftain  of  valor, 
revolving  thy  fiery  circle  in  ether  among  the  seven  wandei  ing 
stars,2  where  thy  flaming  steeds  ever  uplift  thee  above  the 
third  chariot.^  Hear,  O  helper  of  mortals,  giver  of  daring 
youth,  gently  pouring  down  a  gleam^  from  on  high  for  our 
livelihood,  and  martial  valor,  that  I  may  be  able  to  ward  off 
bitter  evil  from  mine  head,  and  in  my  thoughts  subdue  the 
deceitful  inclination  of  my  soul,  and  also  restrain  the  sharp 
wrath  'of  anger,  Avhich  incites  me  to  enter  on  the  chill  battle. 
But  do  thou,  O  blest  one,  give  courage,  and  [grant]  me  to  re¬ 
main  in  the  harmless  laws  of  peof'e,  escaping  the  conflict  and 
violent  fate  of  hostile  men. 


VII.  TO  DIANA. 

Sing,  Muse,  Diana,  the  foster-sister  of  far-darting  Apollo, 
the  shaft-rejoicing  virgin,  who,  having  washed  her  steeds  in 
deep-rushed  JMeles,-**  swiftly  di-ivcs*^  on  her  all-golden  chariot 

'  This  hymn  is  rightly  rcgor‘lc<l  .os  Or])hic,  net  Homeric,  hy  Ruhrken, 
and  Hermann  has  accordingly  published  it  among  his  Orphic.a,  ]).  .'toB. 
A  comparison  with  a  similar  hymn  to  Mars,  p.  384,  will  show  liow  cor¬ 
rect  this  view  is. 

^  Not  the  Pleiades,  .as  Chapman  supposed,  but  the  jdancts.  Cf.  Hy- 
gin.  Poet.  Astron.  ii.  4'Ji ;  iv.  PJ.  But  Eur.  Iph.  Aid.  7,  has  tTn-airopov 
UXt'ia^oQ. 

^  '•'•Teriio  loco  inter  planetas  cqui  te  vchunt,  nempe  initio  nnmerandi 
superne  facto  ah  Saturno.”  Ernest i. 

*  It  must  be  remembered  th.at  the  star  of  Mars  was  called  irvpl nr 
on  account  of  its  superior  brilliancy,  “(pda  igidtis  fulgorum  ardoribus 
sanguinolentus,  et  minaci  luminis  coruscatiiaie  terribilis  est, ”  says  did. 
Firmicus,  Astron.  5.  2. 

*  A  river  near  Smyrna,  whence  Homer  took  his  surname  of  Mc- 
esigenes. 

*  Cf.  Aisch.  Pers.  84,  Hvpiov  9’  uppa  tiwKiov. 


400 


HYMNS. 


[5—9.  VIII.— X. 


through  Smyrna  into  vine-bearing  Clarus,  where  silver-bowed 
Apollo  sits  awaiting  the  far-darting  [maidj  wdic  rejoices  in 
arrows.  And  do  tiiou  thus  hail — and  wdth  thee  all  the  god¬ 
desses — in  song  !  But  I  indeed  will  both  first  begin  from 
thee'  to  sing,  and,  having  began  from  thee,  will  pass  on  to  am 
other  hymn. 


VIII.  TO  VENUS. 

I  WILL  sing  Cyprus-sprung  Cytherea,  who  both  gives  pleas¬ 
ant  gifts®  to  mortals,  and  with  pleasant  visage  is  ever  smiling, 
and  bears  a  lovely  flower  [of  beauty].  Hail !  goddess,  ruling 
over  well-built  Salamis  and  all  Cyprus,®  and  grant  [me] 
pleasant  song,  but  I  will  be  mindful  of  thee,  and  of  another 
song. 

IX.  TO  MINERVA. 

I  BEGIN  to  sing  Balias  Minerva,  the  dread  guardian  of  cit¬ 
ies,  to  whom,  in  company  with  Mars,  warlike  deeds  are  a 
care,  and  cities  overthrown,  and  the  din  of  w'ars.^®  fAnd 
she  also  guards  the  people  both  on  going  and  returning.|^^ 
Hail!  goddess,  and  grant  to  us  fortune  and  prosperity. 

X.  TO  JUNO. 

I  SING  golden-throned  Juno,  whom  Rhea  brought  forth,  the 
immortal  queen,  possessing  surpassing  beauty,  both  sister  and 
glorious  wdfe^2  of  loud-resounding  Jove,  whom  all  the  gods 
through  long  Olympus  venerating  honor  equally  with  thum 
der-rejoicing  Jove. 

’  See  my  note  on  the  Battle  of  the  Froj^s  and  ^lice,  vs.  1. 

®  Cf.  Pindar,  01.  i.  120,  (p'lXia  ^ujpa  Kvnpiac.  Hesiod.  Sent.  Here. 
npiropivoQ  SCjpoiai  TcoXv^pvaov  ’AppodiTpg.  Sec  int.  pp.  on  Virg.  j-En. 
iv.  33. 

®  In  the  cod.  Mosc.  there  are  evidently  two  versions  of  this  hymn 
mixed  up  together,  the  following  lines  being  added  in  Hermann’s  ed. ; 
Xat/OE  p-aKaipa,  KvQtjprjg  kVKTip.tvr]g  ptdiovaa, 

’EivaXbig  ts  KVTrpov  dug  d’  Iptpotcraav  aoidpv. 

Observe  the  hendiadys. 

Evidently  an  interpolation  :  viaaopai  can  not  bear  such  a  meaning 

Cf.  II  xvii.  35G,  with  my  note. 


XI. — XIV.J 


HYMNS. 


401 


XI.  TO  CERES. 

I  BEGIN  to  sing  fair-liairecl  Ceres,  a  venerable  goddess,  her¬ 
self  and  her  most  beauteous  daughter  Proserpine.  Hail !  god¬ 
dess,  and  preserve  this  city,^^^  and  direct  my  song. 


XII.  TO  THE  MOTHER  OF  THE  GODS. 

Sing  to  me,  sweet^^  Muse,  daughter  of  mighty  Jove,  the 
mother  both  of  all  gods  and  all  men,  to  whom  the  noise  of 
cymbals  and  drums, and  with  it  the  drone  of  pipes  is  pleas¬ 
ant,  and  the  howling  of  wolves  and  terrible  lions,  and  the 
echoing  mountains,  and  woody  recesses.  And  do  thou  thus 
hail,  and  with  thee  all  the  goddesses,  in  song. 


XIH.  TO  LION-HEARTED  HERCULES. 

I  >viLL  sing  Hercules  the  son  of  Jove,  whom  Alcmene  bore, 
the  most  valiant  of  earthly  beings,  in  Thebes  of  beauteous 
quires,  having  been  embraced  by  dark-clouded  Jove.  Who 
in  days  of  yore,  w'andering  o’er  boundless  earth  and  sea,  at 
the  behest  of  king  Eurystheus,  himself  both  did  and  suffered 
many  grievous  deeds.^*'  But  now  he  dwells  delighted  on  the 
fair  seat  of  snowy  Olympus,  and  possesses  fair-ankled  Hebe. 
Hail !  O  king,  son  of  Jove,  and  give  valor  and  prosperity. 


XIV.  TO  AESCULAPIUS. 

I  begin  to  sing  the  healer  of  diseases,  JEsculapius,  tlie  son 
of  Apollo,  whom  divine  Coronis  bore  in  the  Dotian^'  field,  the 

Barnes  well  compares  Callim.  in  Cer.  135. 

Cf.  Aleman,  fragm.  i.  1,  cd.  Welcker. 

On  tliis  miscellaneous  musical  taste,  cf.  Lucret.  ii.  G18,  sqq.,  Catull. 
Ixi.  28,  sqq.,  and  Lilius  Gyraldus  de  Diis,  Synt.  iv,  p.  140,  ed.  Amst. 

Here  there  is  another  similar  interpolation  to  the  one  in  Hymn  vir*. 
See  Hermann. 

In  Thessaly.  See  Barnes. 


402 


HYMNS. 


[xv. — XVII.  1 — 4. 


daughter  of  king  Phlegyas,  a  great  joy  to  men,  an  appeaser  of 
evil  pangs.  And  do  thou  thus  hail,  O  king!  but  I  implore 
thee  in  song. 


XV.  TO  CASTOR  AND  POLLUX.’^ 

•» 

Sing,  O  sweet  Muse,  Castor  and  Pollux,  the  sons  of  Tyn- 
darus,  who  were  sprung  from  Olympian  Jove,  whom  hallowed 
Leda  brought  forth  beneath  the  height  of  Taygetus,  being 
stealthily  overcome  by  the  dark-clouded  son  of  Saturn.  Hail  I 
ye  sons  of  Tyndarus,  mounters  of  fleet  steeds. 


XVI.  TO  MERCURY. 

I  SING  Cyllenian  Mercury,  the  slayer  of  Argus,  who  rules 
over  Cyllene  and  Arcadia  rich  in  flocks,  the  beneflcial  mes¬ 
senger  of  the  immortals,  whom  hallow'ed  Main,  the  daughter 
of  Atlas,  brought  forth,  mingling  in  the  embrace  of  Jove. 
But  she  shunned  the  company  of  the  blessed  gods,  dwelling 
in  a  shady  cave,  where  the  son  of  Saturn  mingled  with  the 
fair-haired  nymph  in  the  depth  of  night,  Avhen  sweet  sleep 
possessed  wdiite-armed  Juno.^^  And  she  escaped  the  notice 
both  of  the  immortal  gods  and  mortal  men.  And  do  thou 
thus  hail,  son  of  Jove  and  Maia.  But  commencing  from  thee, 
I  will  pass  on  to  another  hymn.  Hail !  IMercury,  thou  giver 
of  joys,  messenger,  giver  of  good  things. 


XVH.  TO  PAN. 

Sing  to  me,  O  IMuse,  concerning  the  dear  son  of  Mercu¬ 
ry,  goat-footed,  two-horned,  lover  of  the  dance,^®  who  goes 
through  Avoody  Pisa  in  company  Avith  the  nymphs  Avho  arc 
accustomed  to  the  dance,  Avho  also  step  along  the  tracks^’  of 

See  beloAv,  ITvinn  xxxi. 

“  AYhen  golden  sleep  shut  Juno's  jealous  eye.”  Chapman. 

Chaj)inan  is  more  literal;  “amorous  of  noise.” 

I  read  KiXevOa  from  a  MS.  Avith  Hermann. 


6—30.] 


XVII.  TO  PAN. 


403 


the  lofty  rock,  calling  upon  Pan,  the  god  of  shepherds,  with 
beauteous  hair,  [yet]  squalid, who  has  been  allotted  every 
snow-capped  height,  and  the  summits  and  rocky  heads  of 
mountains.  And  he  goes  hither  and  thither  through  the 
dense  thickets,  sometimes  allured  by  the  gentle  streams,  but 
sometimes  again  he  passes  over  the  sun-traversed  mountains, 
ascending  the  loftiest  height  that  overlooks  the  flocks,  and 
oftentimes  he  runs  over  the  long  hoary  mountain  ranges,  and 
oftentimes  he  passes  through  the  feet  of  the  hills,  slaying  wild 
beasts,  looking  sharply  about.  And  then  he  drives  his  sheep 
into  their  cavc,^^  returning  from  the  chase,  playing  a  sweet 
song  on  the  reeds.  Him  not  even  the  bird,  which  pouring 
forth  her  song  among  the  leaves  of  flowery  spring,  pours  forth 
a  sweet  lay,  would  surpass  in  song.  And  with  hini-^^  then  the 
sweet-songed  mountain  nymphs,  coming  frequently  on  foot  to 
the  dark-watered  fountain,  raise  the  song,  and  the  echo  sounds 
around  the  height  of  the  mountain.  And  tlie  god  going 
hither  and  thither  in  the  midst  of  the  dances,  moves  frequent¬ 
ly  with  his  feet.  But  on  his  back  he  wears  the  blood-stained 
skin  of  a  lynx,  delighting  his  mind  with  sweet  lays  in  the 
soft  meadow,  where  the  crocus  and  fragrant  hyacinth  flour¬ 
ishing  are  mingled  with  abundant  grass.  And  they  hymn  the 
blessed  gods  and  mighty  Olympus,  as,^'’  for  instance,  benefi¬ 
cial  IMcrcury  above  all,  how  he  is  the  swift  messenger  of  all 
the  gods.  And  he  indeed  came  into  many-rilled  Arcadia,  the 


“On  Pan,  the  briglit-hair’d  god  of  pastoral, 

Wlio  yet  is  lean  and  loveless.”  Chapman. 


:  3 


This  is  partly  the  emendation  of  Bernard  Martin,  partly  of  Ruhnken. 
But  Hermann  prefers  rare  d’  tenrepog  tKXayev  oior,  “  circa  vesperam  solus 
fistula  canit  Pan,  a  venatione  redux ;  ibi  conveniunt  deinde  nymphre.” 
This  certainly  seems  almost  rc(piired  by  the  following  words,  SovaKujp 
vTTo  fxovaav  dOvpcov.  And  the  solitude  of  Pan  well  agrees  with  the  words 
of  Tlieocritus,  i.  IG,  Toj^  Wdva  dadotKap.eg,  yap  dir  dypag  Taviica  kik- 
puK.'og  dpTraveraf  ivri  TriKpog,  Kai  ol  del  IpiptXa  ttoti  pivi  tcdOprai. 

For  descrijaions  of  Pan,  see  Moll,  on  Longus  Past.  ii.  17.  Lucian  Diall. 
Dcorr,  4,  and  22,  and  Lilius  Gyrald.  Syntagm.  xv.  p.  451,  s(p  ed.  Amst. 
“Artists  of  modern  times  evidently  took  their  idea  for  the  graphic  rep¬ 
resentation  of  the  devil  frt)m  the  ancient  figures  of  Pan.”  Townley  Mar¬ 
bles,  vol.  i.  p.  211. 

i.  e.  Pan,  trcpiv  being  here  the  singular  number.  Sec  Herm.  on 
Orph.  p.  792,  797. 

**  Surely  we  should  read  olor, 


“Mercury  alone  above  otliers.” 


404 


HYMNS. 


[31 — 49.  xviii 


mother  of  sheep,  where  there  is  a  temple  of  Cyllenius^®  in  his 
honor.  Here  lie,  although  a  god,  tended  shabby-fleeced  sheep 
with^"^  a  mortal  man.  For  soft  desire,  which  had  come  upon 
him,  flourished,  that  he  should  mingle  in  love  Avith  the  fair- 
haired  nymph  Dryope.  And  he  accomplished  joyful  nup¬ 
tials, and  in  her  dwelling  she  bore  a  dear  son  to  Mercury, 
a  marvel  to  behold  forthwith, goat-footed,  two-horned,  fond 
of  the  dance,  sweetly  laughing.  And  she  fled,  leaping  up, 
and  the  nurse  left  the  child  ;  for  she  was  smitten  with  dread*^ 
as  she  beheld  his  unpleasant,  hairy  visage.  But  him,  benefi¬ 
cial  Mercury,  having  received,  took  in  his  arms,  and  the  god 
rejoiced  greatly  in  his  mind.  And  swiftly  lie  went  to  tlio 
dwellings  of  the  immortals,  having  covered  flic  boy  in  the 
thick  skins  of  a  mountain  hare.  And  lie  seated  him  Avith 
Jove  and  the  other  immortals,  and  shoAA'ed  his  son.  But  all 
the  immortals  Avere  delighted  in  mind,  and  above  others  Bac¬ 
chus  Dionysus.  And  they  called  him  Ban,  because  he  de¬ 
lighted  the  minds  of  all.^^  And  do  thou  thus  hail,  O  kinjr, 
and  I  Avill  beseech  thee  in  song.  But  I  Avill  be  mindful  of 
thee  and  of  another  song. 

XVIII.  TO  VULCAN. 

Sing,  SAveet  IMusc,  Mercury  the  rcnoAvncd  artificer,  who  Avith 
dark-eyed  Minerva  taught  glorious  Avorks.  to  men  upon  the 
earth,  Avho  before  dAvelt  in  caves^"  mountains,  like  Avild 

beasts,  but  noAV  being  instructed  in  Avorks  by  Vulcan  the  re- 
noAvned  artificer,  they  easily  in  security  pass  through  life,  tlie 

KvWriv'iov  is  the  elegant  reading  of  three  Paris  MSS.  Cf.  in  Cer. 
37,  and  Ilerm.  on  Orph.  p.  801. 

ITapd  rather  means,  “in  the  serA’ice  of  a  mortal  man.” 

A  customaiy  euphemism  Avhere  the  gallantries  of  the  gods  are  de¬ 
scribed. 

i.  e.  from  his  A^ery  birth.  TrpoaOev  is  used  in  nearly  the  same  man¬ 
ner  in  Hymn  xxiA'.  7,  of  the  birth  of  Minerva. 

Probably  as  much  terrified  as  the  mother  of  IMothcr  Shij)ton  is  tri' 
ditionally  re])orted  to  liaA'e  been  on  a  similar  occasion. 

This  etymology  is,  if  ])ossible,  nearly  as  bad  as  any  to  he  found  in 
Plato’s  Cratylus.  It  is,  at  all  events,  quite  as  frigid. 

See  my  notes  on  yEsch.  Prom. 


XIX. — XXII.  J 


HYMNS. 


405 


whole  year  through,  in  tlieir  own  dwellings.  But  be  propi¬ 
tious,  O  Vulcan,  and  grant  excellence  and  prosperity. 


XIX.  TO  APOLLO. 

O  PiicEBUs,  thee  indeed  the  swan  also  sings  sweetly,  flap¬ 
ping  its  wiiigs,^*^  leaping  upon  the  bank  by  the  eddying  river 
Peneus,  but  thee  the  sweet-voiced  bard,  having  his  clear-toned 
lyre,  ever  sings  both  first  and  last.  And  do  thou  thus  hail, 
but  I  appease  thee  by  song. 


XX.  TO  NEPTUNE.34 

CoNCKPtXiNG  Neptune,  a  mighty  god,  I  begin  to  sing,  the 
stirrer  of  the  earth  and  unfruitful  sea,  marine,  who  possesses 
both  Helicon  and  wide  JEgod.  A  two-fold  honor  have  the 
gods  granted  thee,  O  earth-shaker,  to  be  both  a  tamer  of 
steeds,  and  a  preserver  of  ships.  Hail !  earth-encircling  Nep¬ 
tune,  with  dark  locks,  and  do  thou,  blessed  one,  having  a 
kindly  disposition,  give  aid  to  voyagers. 


XXL  TO  JOVE. 

I  WILL  sing  Jove,  the  best  and  mightiest  of  gods,  far-sound¬ 
ing,  ruling,  bringing  things  to  pa.ss,  wlio  also  holds  prudent 
converse  witli  Tliemis  as  she  sits  reclining.  Be  propitious, 
O  far-sounding  son  of  Saturn,  most  glorious,  most  great. 

XXH.  TO  VESTA. 

O  Vesta,  who  tendest  the  sacred  dwelling  of  the  far-dart¬ 
ing  king,  Apollo,  at  divine  Delphi,  ever  does  the  fluid  oil 

Not  “sub  nlis,”  but  “cum  plansu  alarum,  applaudens  cantui, ”  says 
Lrnesti.  Cf.  Virg.  JEn.  i.  411,  “  Ut  reduces  illi  (cycni)  ludunt  strideii- 
tibus  alls  ....  cantusque  dedere.” 

liuhnken  regards  this  hymn  as  Orphic  in  its  character,  not  IIo* 
meric. 


406 


HYMNS. 


[xxiii. — XXV.  1 — 3. 


stream  clown  from  tliy  locks. "fCome  to  this  dwelling,  come, 
having  thy  mind,f  with  counseling  Jove,  and  also  grant  grace 
to  my  song. 


XXIII.  TO  THE  MUSES  AND  APOLLO. 

From  the  Muses^®  I  commence,  and  from  Apollo  and  Jove, 
for  from  the  Muse  and  far-darting  Apollo  are  bards  and  min¬ 
strels  upon  the  earth,  and  from  Jove  are  kings.  But  blessed 
is  he  whom  the  Muses  love !  sweet  flows  the  voice  from  his 
mouth.  Hail!  children  of  Jove,  and  honor  my  song;  but  I 
will  be  mindful  of  you  and  of  another  song. 


XXIY.  TO  BACCHUS. 

1  BEGIN  to  sing  ivy-crowned,  roving  Bacchus,  the  glorious 
son  of  Jove  and  renowned  Sernele,  whom  the  fair-haired 
nymphs,  receiving  him  from  his  royal  sire  in  their  bosoms, 
nurtured,  and  brought  up  assiduously  in  the  valleys  of  Nyssa. 
But  he  grew  up  under  the  care  of  his  sire  in  a  fragrant-smell- 
insr  cave,  being  numbered  among  the  immortals.  But  when 
the  goddesses  had  trained  up  him  of  much  renown,  then  indeed 
lie  used  to  go  through  the  woody  recesses,  thickly  crowned 
with  ivy  and  laurel ;  but  the  nymphs  followed  with  him,  and 
he  led  the  way,  and  noisy  possessed  the  mighty^'*  wood. 
And  do  thou  thus  hail,  O  many-clustered  Bacchus,  and  grant 
that  we  rejoicing  may  again  come  round  to  the  seasons,  and 
from  the  seasons  again  to  many  years. 


XXV.  TO  DIANA. 

I  SING  Diana,  of  the  golden  distaff,  mistress  of  the  cry,^® 
the  hallowed  virgin,  striker  of  stags,  rejoicing  in  arrows,  own 
sister  of  golden-sworded  Apollo  ;  who,  delighting  in  the  chase, 

There  must  surely  be  a  lacuna  here.  The  next  line  is  hoj^less. 
These  first  four  verses  are  from  Hesiod,  Theog.  94,  sqq. 

I  should  ])refer  reading  da-rrerog,  referring  the  epithet  to  Bfiuuoi:. 

V.  e  of  the  chase. 


4 — 22.  XXVI.] 


HYMNS. 


407 


stretches  her  bow,  sending  forth  deadly  slmfts  o’er  the  shad¬ 
owy  mountains  and  wind-swept  summits.  And  the  heads  of 
lofty  mountains  tremble,  and  the  shady  wood  re-echoes  dread¬ 
fully  from  the  noise  of  beasts,^^  and  the  earth  and  fishy  sea 
are  stricken  with  terror.  But  she,  having  a  valiant  heart, 
turns  in  all  directions,  destroying  the  offspring  of  wild  beasts. 
But  when  the  arrow-rejoicing  watcher  of  wild  beasts  has  re¬ 
joiced  herself,  and  is  gladdened  in  mind,  relaxing  her  well- 
bent  bow,  she  comes  into  the  mighty  dwelling  of  her  dear 
brother,  Phoebus  Apollo,  into  the  rich  abode  of  Delphi,  hav¬ 
ing  equipped  the  beauteous  quire  of  muses  and  graces.  Here 
having  hung  up  her  bending  bow  and  arrows,  she  takes  the 
lead,  having  beauteous  ornaments  about  her  form,  leading  the 
dance.  But  they,  emitting  an  ambrosial  voice,^^  hymn  fair- 
ankled  Latona,  how'  she  brouiijht  forth  children  amono:  the  im- 
mortals,  far  the  best  both  in  counsel  and  in  deeds.  Hail ! 
children  of  Jove,  and  fair-haired  Latona.  But  I  will  be  mind¬ 
ful  of  you  and  of  another  song. 


XXVI.  TO  MINERVA. 

I  BEGIN  to  sing  Pallas  Minerva,  a  renowned  goddess,  dark  . 
eyed,  of  much  counsel,  possessing  an  unsoftened  heart,  a  hal¬ 
lowed  virgin,  guardian  of  cities,  valiant,  Tritogenia,  whom 
counseling  Jove  himself  begat  from  his  reverend  head,  pos¬ 
sessing  warlike  arms  of  gold,  all-gleaming.  And  reverence 
seized  all  the  immortals  as  they  beheld ;  but  she  hastily 
leaped  fortli”^^  from  tlie  immortal  head  of  Ailgis-bearing  Jove, 
brandishing  a  sharp  spear.  And  mighty  Olympus  trembled 
fearfully  under  the  dread  dark-eyed  [maid],  and  the  cartli 
around  shrieked  fearfully,  and  the  sea  was  stirred,  troubled 
with  its  purple  waves.  But  the  brine  stood  still  forthwith,  and 
the  glorious  son  of  Hyperon  stopped  his  fleet-footed  steeds  a 
long  time  till  the  virgin,  Pallas  Minerva,  had  taken  off  her  god¬ 
like  arms  from  her  immortal  shoulders;  and  counseling  Jove 

Ruhnken  elefrantly  reads  vtvpiov,  i.  e.  “  nt  the  noi.se  other  bow.” 

The  true  reading  is  probably  at  b’  dfi[3poTov  oaaav  luaai,  from  He¬ 
siod,  Theog.  43.  Hermann. 

*'■  But  TrpoffOiv  contains  the  idea  of  haste  and  celerity.  Cf.  Lucian, 
Dial.  Doorr  8,  p.  27,  ed.  Bij).,  with  the  note  of  Ilemstcrhusius. 


408 


HYMNS. 


[xxvii.  XXVIII.  1 — 9. 


rejoiced.  And  do  thou  indeed  thus  hail,  child  of  A£gis-hear- 
ing  Jove ;  but  I  will  be  mindful  of  thee  and  of  another  song. 


XXVII.  TO  VESTA  AND  MEKCUKY. 

O  Vesta,  who  hast  obtained  an  immortal  seat  in  the  lofty 
dwellings  of  all,  both  immortal  gods  and  earth-traversing  men, 
an  honor  due  to  age,^^-*-  possessing  a  fair  pi-ivilege  and  honor. 
For  without  thee  [are  there]  no  banquets  for  mortals,  where 
[the  host]  beginning  [the  libations],  pours  out  sweet  wine  to 
Vesta  not  first  nor  last.  lAnd  thou,  for  me,  O  slayer  of  Ar¬ 
gus,  son  of  Jove  and  Main,  messenger  of  the  blest,  bearer  of 
a  golden  wand,  giver  of  good  things,  fye  dwell  in  beauteous 
abodes,  dear  to  each  other  in  your  minds.f  Do  thou,  being 
propitious,  give  aid,  with  hallowed  and  beloved  Vesta ;  for  ye 
both,  knowing  good  works,  accompany  the  mind  and  youth 
of  men  upon  the  earth.  Hail,  daughter  of  Saturn,  both  thou 
and  golden-wanded  Mercury ;  but  I  will  be  mindful  both  of 
you  and  of  another  song. 


XXVIII.  TO  [EARTH], THE  MOTHER  OF  ALL. 

I  WILE  sing  Earth,  the  mother  of  all,  with  well-laid  foun¬ 
dations,  most  ancient,  who  feeds  all  things,^^  as  many  as  are 
upon  the  earth,  and  as  many  as  traverse  the  boundless  earth, 
and  as  many  as  [inhabit]  the  sea,  and  as  many  as  tly,  these 
are  fed  out  of  thy  riches.  And  from  thee,  hallowed  one,  are 
[men]  ricli  in  children  and  fruitful,  and  on  thee  it  depends  to 
bestow  life,  and  take  it  away  from  mortal  men.  Rut  blest 
is  he,  whom  thou  indeed  shalt  willingly  honor  in  thy  mind, 
and  to  him  are  all  things  in  abundance.  To  111111“*^*  the  life- 

This  is  the  only  interpretation  of  Trpta^rfi^a  at  all  agreeable  to  the 
sense.  Ernesti  would  read  yalav  for  Tijxpv.  Vss.  4,  r>,  G,  are  condemned 
by  Ilgen  as  spurious,  and  vs.  9  put  after  vs.  11,  by  Martin  and  Matthiae. 
To  me  there  appears  to  be  a  mixture  of  two  hymns, 
is  added  in  edd.  Elor.  Aldd. 

Cf.  -®sch.  Sejit.  e.  Th.  IG,  yrj  rt  pr]Tpi,  (pCKranj  rpvcprj  t)  yap  vkovq 
'ipiTOVTaQ  ivptvH  TTiZip'' A—avra  TTuveoKovaa  Traict'iaq  orAor,  "EOpixl/ar. 

a<piv  is  here  the  singular  number.  The  enallage  of  number  com¬ 
mences  with  avToi  o'  d'v,  in  vs.  1 1 


10 — 19.  XXIX. J 


iimNs. 


400 


bearing  harvest  grows  heavy,  and  in  the  fields  he  is  rich  in 
beasts  of  burden,  and  his  house  is  filled  with  good  things. 
And  they  themselves  rule  under  good  laws  through  the  city 
of  fair  dames,  and  much  prosperity  and  riches  follows  [them], 
^'id  their  cliildren  exult  in  juvenile  joy,  and  their  virgins  with 
joyous  mind  leap  sportingly^^  in  the  fiowery  circle  o’er  the 
soft  blossoms  of  the  grass,  they  whom  thou,  forsooth,  dost 
honor,  unstinting^’^  goddess  !  Hail !  mother  of  the  gods,  wife 
of  the  starry  heaven,  and  willingly  award  me  a  pleasant  life 
in  reward  for  my  song :  but  I  will  be  mindful  of  thee  and  of 
another  song. 


■  XXIX.  TO  THE  SUN. 

O  Calliope,  child  of  Jove,  again  begin  to  hymn  the  shin¬ 
ing  Sun,  whom  large-eyed  Euryphaessa  bore  to  the  son  c  f 
the  earth  and  the  starry  heaven.  For  Hyperion  wedded  his 
own  sister,  Euryphaessa  all-renowned,  who  bore  him  beau¬ 
teous  children,  both  rosy-fingered  Morn,  and  the  fair-haired 
Moon,  and  the  unwearied  Sun,  like  unto  tlie  immortals,  who 
shines  unto  mortals  and  to  the  immortal  gods,  mounting  his 
steeds.  And  dreadfully  with  his  eyes  he  glances  from  his  gold- 
en  casque,  and  from  him  the  bright  rays  Hash  splendidly,  and 
down  from  his  temples  the  cheek-plates^®  [of  his  helmet], 
shining  from  his  head,  guard  his  beauteous  face,  shining  afar, 
and  with  the  gale  of  the  Avinds  his  beauteous  garments  glitter 
around  his  form,  and  his  male  steeds  beneath.  Here  indeed, 
at  even,^®  he,  having  stojiped  his  golden-yoked  chariot  and 
steeds,  sends  them  through  heaven  toward  the  ocean.  Hail ! 
O  king,  and  willingly  grant  a  pleasant  life ;  and  commencing 
from  thee,  I  will  celebrate  the  race  of  articulate-voiced  men, 
demigods,  avIiosc  deeds  the  gods  have  shown  forth  unto  mor¬ 
tals. 

I  read  TraiCovam  oTraipovai  with  Ruhnken,  and  tvavdkaiv  with  Her¬ 
mann.  By  xopoif  tlie  latter  scholar  rightly  understands  “locos,  in  qni- 
bus  choreoi  ducuntur.” 

Matthice  would  read  d^OiTt.  Ivuhnkcn  condemns  this  line,  but 
Hermann  defends  it. 

■*®  Sec  Hermann,  who  however  can  not  find  any  example  of  this  signi¬ 
fication.  Pearson  would  read  irtpl  KpoTiKpoim  t  tOeipai. 

This  is  Ituhnken’s  elegant  emendation  for  dtaTrlmos;. 

S 


410 


HYMNS. 


[xxx.  XXXI.  1 — 7. 


XXX.  TO  THE  MOON. 

Come,  sing  the  wing-stretching  Moon,  ye  IMuses,  sweet¬ 
voiced  daughters  of  Jove  the  son  of  Saturn,  skilled  in  song, 
[of  the  Moon,]  whose  heaven-shown  gleam  surrounds  the 
earth,  her  gleam  shining  fortli,!'’^  and  the  dark  night  is  illu¬ 
mined  by  her  golden  crown,  and  her  rays'^^  are  diffused  around, 
when  that,  having  laved  her  fair  form  in  Ocean,  the  divine 
Moon,  having  put  on  her  far-shining  garments,  having  yoked 
her  stout-necked,  glittering  foals,  swiftly  drives  her  fair-haired 
steeds  onward,  at  even,  at  the  middle  of  the  month,  when 
her  great  orb  is  full,  and  the  rays  of  her  then  increasing  are 
most  brilliant  in  heaven,  and  she  is  a  mark  and  a  sign  to 
mortals.  With  her  the  son  of  Saturn  once  mingled  in  love 
and  the  couch,  and  she,  becoming  pregnant,  brought  forth 
a  daughter,  Pandeia,^^  possessing  surpassing  beauty  among 
the  immortal  gods.  Hail !  white-armed  queen  goddess,  di¬ 
vine  Moon,  benignant,  fair-haired ;  and  commencing  from 
thee,  I  will  sing  the  praises  of  demigod  heroes,  whose  deeds 
bards,  the  servants  of  the  Muses,  celebrate,  from  their  pleas¬ 
ant  voices. 


XXXI.  TO  CASTOR  AND  POLLUX. 

Sing,  Muses,  concerning  the  sons  of  Jove,  the  sons  of  Tyn- 
darus,  the  glorious  children  of  fiiir-anklcd  Leda,  both  horse- 
breaking^^  Castor  and  blameless  l^ollux,  whom  she,  beneath 
the  height  of  the  mighty  mountain  of  Taygetus,  mingling  in 
love  with  the  dark-clouded  son  of  Saturn,  brought  forth,  her 
sons,  the  saviors  of  men^^  upon  the  earth,  and  of  swift-jour- 

Hermann’s  text  has  yjg  alyXi]  Trepi  ycnav  t\iaafTai  ovpavohiKTOQ. 
In  the  next  line  Ituhnken  wonld  read  ariXlSei  d'  tTriXapTrerotj  dt'ip,  Her¬ 
mann  aTToXaf^TTSTog,  taking  otto  for  a  jirivative,  and  referring  to  Koen 
on  Gregor,  p.  250. 

Head  aKriveg  with  Barnes.  See  Barnes. 

Cf.  II.  iii.  237,  and  Or])li.  Arg.  050,  Kaaropa  9'  tinrucapoi'  kciI  ttj'I 
dyaObv  lloXvbevicea.  Hor.  Od.  i.  12,  25, — “  i)ueros(pic  Leda;  Ilunc  equis, 
ilium  superare  ])ugnis  nobilem.” 

**  Cf.  Theoerit.  Id.  xxii.  (I,  d}’9pd)7r»ji’  erwri/put’  ^7r(  ^epov  f;tri  tovTUJV. 


7 — 10.  XXXII.  1 — 3.J 


TO  CERES. 


411 


neying  ships,  when  the  wintry  tempests  wax  violent  on  the 
unsoftened  sea.  But  they,  making  vows  from  their  ships, 
invoke  the  sons  of  mighty  Jove  with  [otferings  of]  white 
lambs,  having  ascended  the  heights  of  the  poop,  which  the 
mighty  wind  and  the  billow  of  the  sea  have  brought  below 
the  weaves.  But  they  forthwith  appear, flitting  through  the 
sky  on  their  swarthy  wings.  And  straightway  they  appease 
the  eddyings  of  troubling  winds,  and  smoothly  spread  the 
waves  and  the  billows  of  the  white  sea  for  the  sailors,  fair 
signs  of  toil  for  their  sake ;  but  they  perceiving  it,  rejoice, 
and  cease  from  their  grievous  toil.^*^  Hail !  sons  of  Tyndarus, 
mounters  of  swift  steeds :  but  I  will  be  mindful  of  you  and  of 
another  song. 


XXXir.  TO  CEKES.s-^ 

I  BEGIN  to  sing  fair-haired  Ceres,  a  hallowed  goddess,  her¬ 
self  and  her  long-ankled  daughter,  whom  Pluto  snatched  away 
(but  heavily-thundering,  far-seeing^®  Jove  gave  her)  from  gold- 

Tlieocrit.  1.  c.  19,  sqq.  ;  llor.  1.  c.  : 

“quorum  simul  alba  nautis 
Stella  refulsit, 

Defluit  saxis  agitatus  humor, 

Concidunt  venti,  fugiimtque  nubes, 

Et  minax — quod  sic  voluere,  ponto 
Unda  recumbit.” 

**  But  Matthiie  and  Hermann  read  ttXuov,  and  the  latter  scholar 
thinks  this  hymn  should  end  at  vs.  15. 

1  have  placed  this  hymn,  and  the  fragment  of  the  hymn  to  Bacchus, 
at  the  end  of  the  rest,  in  order  to  ])revent  any  difficulty  of  reference  to 
the  ordinary  editions  of  Homer.  The  student  Avill,  I  think,  find  this 
hymn  immeasurably  superior  to  the  rest  both  in  interest,  variety,  and 
poetic  spirit.  Grote,  vol.  i.  p.  55,  after  an  admirable  analysis  of  its  con¬ 
tents,  elegantly  observes:  “It  is  interesting  not  less  as  a  picture  of  the 
Mater  Dolorosa  (in  the  mouth  of  an  Athenian,  Demeter  and  Persephone 
were  always  The  Mother  and  Daughter,  by  excellence),  first  an  agonized 
sufferer,  and  then  finally  glorified, — the  weal  and  woe  of  men  being  de¬ 
pendent  upon  her  kindly  feeling,— than  as  an  illustration  of  the  nature 
and  growth  of  Grecian  legend  generally.  Though  wo  now  read  this 
hymn  as  pleasing  poetry,  to  the  Eleusinians,  for  whom  it  was  composed, 
if  was  genuine  and  sacred  history.  They  believed  in  the  visit  of  Deme¬ 
ter  to  Eleusis,  and  in  the  mysteries  as  a  revelation  from  her,  as  implicit¬ 
ly  as  they  believed  in  her  existence  and  jiower  as  a  goddess.” 

58  Or  “far-sounding.”  Hesych.  t.  ii.  j).  1528,  7/  rov  fxeydXiog  i^opCov' 
ra'  o\  Tuv  peyaXovg  t/xovg  diroTtXovi'Ta,  du'i  tCuu  jSpovrwv. 


41.2 


HYMNS. 


n  ^38. 


en-sworded^^  Ceres,  renowned  for  fruits,  as  she  was  sporting 
with  the  deep-bosomed  daugliters  of  Oceaniis,  and  culling 
flowers  through  the  soft  meadow,  roses,  and  crocus,  and 
beauteous  violets,  and  iris,  and  hyacinths,  and  narcissus, 
which  earth,  at  the  behest  of  Jove,  brought  forth  as  a  snare 
to  the  virgin,  favoring  the  Many-receiver,^^’  wondrously  flour¬ 
ishing,  a  marvel  then  for  all  to  behold,  both  immortal  gods 
and  mortal  men.  And  from  its  root  a  hundred  heads  sprang 
forth,  and  the  whole  wide  heaven  above  was  scented  with  its 
fragrance,  and  the  whole  earth  laughed,  and  the  briny  wave 
of  the  sea.  But  she,  astonished,  stretched  out  both  her  hands 
to  seize  the  pretty  plaything ;  but  the  wide-wayed  earth  gaped 
in  the  Mysian  plain,  where  the  many-receiving  king,  the 
many-named  son  of  Saturn,  leaped  forth  with  his  immortal 
steeds,  and  having  snatched  away  her  unwilling  in  his  golden 
chariot,  he  led  her  away  weeping,  and  she  shrieked  aloud 
with  her  voice,  calling  upon  her  supreme  and  best  sire,  the 
son  of  Saturn.  But  no  one  of  the  immortals  nor  of  mortal 
men  heard  her  voice,  no,  nor  the  olives  with  their  rich  fruit,®^ 
save  only  the  daughter  of  Perseus,  mild  in  spirit,  light-vailed 
Hecate,  who  heard  her  from  her  cave,  and  the  king  Sun,  the 
glorious  son  of  Hyperion,  [heard]  the  girl  calling  on  her  Sat¬ 
urn-descended  sire.  But  he  said  apart,  away  from  the  gods, 
in  his  well-fastened  temple,  receiving  beauteous  offerings  from 
mortal  men.  But  her  father’s  brother,  the  JMany-receiver, 
who  rules  over  many,  the  many-named  son  of  Saturn,  bore 
her  away  against  her  will  with  his  immortal  steeds.  Now 
as  long  as  the  goddess  beheld  the  earth  and  the  starry  heav¬ 
en,  and  the  much-flowing  fishy  sea,  and  the  rays  of  the  sun, 
and  still  hoped  to  behold  her  careful  motlier,  and  the  tribes 
of  the  gods  who  are  forever,  so  long  did  hoi)c  soften  lier 
mighty  mind,  although  grieving.  But  the  heights  of  the 

This  cpitliet  lias  given  rise  to  much  doubt,  and  llnhnken  seems  to 
be  riglit  in  reading  xp(^(^o9pdvov.  Lucas  translates : 

“ - who  widely  wields 

Her  golden  sceptre  o’er  the  fruitful  fields.” 

Pluto  or  Hades. 

Kuhnken  is  very  dissatisfied  with  the  mention  of  olives  here,  and, 
considering  that  an  animate  object  ought  to  be  mentioned,  he  w'ould  read 
ohd’  dy\a6i.iop(l>oi  tTcilpai.  Lucas  defends  it,  observing,  “  nothing  is  more 
common  with  poets  than  to  feign  an  attention  in  mountains,  w'oods,  riv¬ 
ers,  etc.,  to  persons  singing  or  bewailing.”  He  compares  Virg.  Eel.  x.  8, 


38—75.] 


XXXII.  TO  CERES. 


413 


mountains  and  the  depths  of  the  sea  resounded  with  her  im¬ 
mortal  voice,  and  her  revered  mother  heard  her.  And  quick¬ 
ly  grief  seized  her  mind,  and  with  her  hands  she  rent  the  vail 
above  her  ambrosial  locks,  and  cast  the  dark-blue  raiment 
from  both  her  shoulders,  and  she  rushed,  like  a  bird,  o’er  dry 
and  wet,®’-^  seeking  her ;  but  to  her  no  one  either  of  gods  or 
mortal  men  was  willing  to  tell  the  truth,  nor  did  any  one  of 
birds  [of  augury]  come  to  her  as  a  true  messenger.  Then  for 
nine  days  did  hallowed  Ceres  perambulate  the  earth,  bearing 
blazing  torches  in  her  hands,  nor  ever  did  she,  grieving,  taste 
ambrosia  or  sweet-drinking  nectar,  nor  lave  her  form  in  the 
bath.  But  when  indeed  to  her  the  tenth  shining  morn  had 
come,  Hecate  met  her,  bearing  a  light  in  her  hands,  and  bring¬ 
ing  news,  spoke  to  and  addressed  her. 

“■  Kevered  Ceres,  bearer  of  seasons,  giver  of  glorious  things, 
who  of  the  heavenly  gods  or  mortal  men  has  snatched  away 
Proserpine,  and  grieved  thy  dear  mind?  For  I  heard  her 
voice,  but  I  perceived  not  with  mine  eyes  who  it  was.  But 
quickly  could  he  tell  thee  all  truly^^  »  ^  ^  ^ 

Thus  then  spake  Hecate,  but  her  the  daughter  of  fair- 
haired  Khea  answered  not  in  words,  but  quickly  sped  forth 
with  her,  bearing  lighted  torches  in  her  hands.  And  they 
went  to  the  Sun,  the  surveyor  both  of  men  and  gods,  and  they 
stood  in  front  of  his  steeds,  and  the  divine  one  of  goddesses 
asked  [him] : 

“O  Sun,  compassionate  me  on  behalf  of  a  goddess, if  ever 
either  by  word  or  deed  I  have  gratified  thy  heart  and  mind. 
]\Iy  daughter  whom  I  bore,  a  sweet  blossom,  beauteous  in 
form,  whose  frequent  eries  I  have  heard  through  the  unfruit¬ 
ful  air,  as  though  she  were  being  forced  away,  but  I  have  not 
beheld  her  with  mine  eyes — but  do  thou  (for  thou  from  the 
divine  ether  dost  look  down  with  thy  rays  upon  all  the  earth 
and  sea)  tell  me  truly,  dear  son,  if  thou  hast  anywhere  seen 
him,  of  the  gods  or  mortal  men,  who,  without  my  consent, 
has  seized  her  perforce,  and  carried  her  off.” 

Thus  she  spoke,  but  her  the  sou  of  Hyperion  answered  in 
discourse:  “Daughter  of  fair-haired  llhea,  queen  Ceres,  thou 


®-  i.  e.  land  and  sea.  Cf.  llittcrsh.  on  Oppian.  Cyn.  i.  1 1 . 

Hermann  thinks  tliat  the  lacuna  should  j)robablv  be  filled  up  thus; 

(Toi  S’  wKci  Xayoi  iravTa  'HsXtor,  Tictvr  ttpopa  Kcd  -jravT  iiraKOvti. 

*4  •  ’  ’  '  ..  .1 


i.  e.  her  daughter.  See  Hermann. 


414 


HYMNS. 


[7G— loa 


shall  know ;  for  I  indeed  grieve  for  and  pity  thee  much,  sor¬ 
rowing  for  thy  slender-ankled  daughter.  But  no  other  of  the 
immortals  is  guilty,  save  only  cloud-compelling  Jove,  Avho  has 
given  her  to  his  own  brother  Hades,  to  be  called  his  blooming 
wife.  And  he,  having  snatched  her  away  with  his  steeds, 
lias  led  her,  loudly  shrieking,  beneath  the  murky  darkness. 
But  come,  O  goddess,  cease  thy  great  Avrath.®^  It  in  no  Avise 
behooves  thee  vainly  to  entertain  boundless  Avrath.  I’luto, 
Avho  rules  over  many,  is  by  no  means  an  unseemly  kinsman 
[to  have]  among  the  immortals,  thine  OAvn  brother  and  of  the 
same  seed.  And  he  has  moreoA^er  obtained  a  prerogatiA’e, 
Avhen  division  Avas  first  made  three-fold  by  lot ;  he  dwells 
among  those  of  Avhom  he  is  appointed  master  by  lot.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  he  cheered  on  his  steeds,  and  they,  at 
his  exhortation,  swiftly  bore  along  the  fleet  chariot,  like  Aving- 
expanding  birds.  But  upon  her  mind  a  more  sad  and  ruder 
grief  fell,  and  then,  enraged  at  the  dark-clouded  son  of  Saturn, 
going  apart  from  the  council  of  the  gods  and  mighty  Olympus, 
she  Avent  to  the  cities  and  rich  fields  of  men,  obscuring  her 
form  for  a  long  time.  Nor  did  any  one  of  men  or  deep-bosomed 
Avomen,  seeing,  recognize  her,  before  that  she  came  to  the 
dAvelling  of  prudent  Celeus,  Avho  was  at  that  time  the  ruler  of 
SAveet-scented  Eleusis.  And  she  sat  near  the  way-side,  sad¬ 
dened  at  heart,  by  the  Parthenian  Avell,®®  Avhence  the  citizens 
drew  their  AA’ater,  in  the  shade  (but  above  her  there  Avas  an 
olive-tree),  like  unto  an  aged  old  Avoman,  avIio  is  shut  off  both 
from  child-birth,  and  from  the  gifts  of  croAvn-loving  Venus, 
such  as  are  the  nurses  of  the  children  of  laAv-administering 
kings,  and  housekeepers  in  their  echoing  dwellings.  But 
the  daughters  of  Eleusinian  Celeus  perceived  her  as  they 
Avere  coming  for  clear-flowing  Avater,  that  they  might  bear  it 
in  golden  eAvers®'^  to  the  beloA'cd  dAvellings  of  their  sire,*^®  four 
[ill  number],  like  goddesses,  possessing  the  floAver  of  youth, 

Hermann  well  reads,  xo/Xor-  for  yuor,  observing,  “verba  ovde  n  ae 
Xpi)  semper  apiul  Ilomerum  ])ra‘grcssam  orationem  rcpetunt.”  II.  xix. 
G7  ;  vii.  209,  492,  etc.  This  somewhat  resembles  the  parallelism  of  the 
Hebrew  poetry.  See  Ilengstenberg  in  Barnes’s  Preface  to  his  Notes  on 
Isaiah,  8,  p.  54,  sqq.  ed.  Gumming. 

The  beautiful  simplicity  of  this  narrative  justifies  a  comparison  with 
Genes,  xxiv.  11,  sqq. 

Cf.  luir.  Ilippol.  121,  sqq. 

Matthia;  AA’ould  read  (ptXov,  without  necessity. 


109—145.] 


XXXII.  TO  CERES. 


415 


Callidice,  and  Clisidice,  and  lovely  Demo,  and  Callithoe,  who 
was  the  eldest  of  them  all.  But  they  knew  her  not,  for  diffi¬ 
cult  are  the  gods  for  mortals  to  behold ;  but  standing  near, 
they  addressed  [to  her]  winged  words : 

‘‘  Who,  whence  art  thou,  old  woman,  among  ancient-born 
men?  And  why  hast  thou  walked  far  away  from  the  city, 
nor  dost  approach  the  dwellings,  where  there  are  women  of 
thine  own  age  in  the  shady  abodes,  even  as  thou  art,  and 
younger  ones  also,  who,  forsooth,  may  receive  thee  kindly  in 
word  and  deed  . 

Thus  they  spoke,  but  she,  hallowed  one  of  goddesses,  an¬ 
swered  in  words:  ‘‘Dear  children,  whoever  ye  are^®  of  the 
sex  of  women,  hail !  But  I  will  tell  my  story  to  you.  It  is 
by  no  means  unfitting  to  tell  the  truth  to  you  who  ask.  My 
name  indeed  is  Dos,"^^  for  this  my  revered  brother  gave  me. 
But  now  have  I  come  not  willingly  upon  the  wide  back  of  the 
sea,  but  pirates  by  compulsion  led  me  away  unwilling.  They 
then  put  to  at  Thoricus  in  their  swift  ship,  where  numerous 
women  disembarked  upon  the  main  lahd,'^  and  they  themselves 
made  ready  supper  near  the  hawsers  of  the  ship.  But  my  mind 
cared  not  for  the  pleasant  feast,  but  privily  setting  out  through 
the  dark  main  land,  I  fled  from  my  overbearing  masters,  that 
they  might  not  enjoy  my  price,  having  sold  me  [purchased] 
for  nothing.’^^  Thus  have  I  come  hither,  wandering,  nor 
know  I  aught  what  land  this  is,  and  who  are  its  inhabitants. 
But  to  you  may  all  those  who  possess  the  Olympian  dwell¬ 
ings  grant  blooming  husbands,  and  to  bring  forth  children,  as 
parents  are  wont  to  wish  !  But  take  pity  on  me,  ye  damsels, 
kindly,  dear  children,  until  I  reach  the  dwelling  of  a  man  and 
woman,  that  I  may  willingly  work  for  them  in  such  things 
as  are  the  business  of  an  aged  woman.  And  truly  I  could 
nicely  nurse  a  young  infant,  having  him  in  mine  arms,  and 
could  take  care  of  the  house,  and  could  spread  my  master’s 
bed  in  the  recess  of  the  well-built  chambers,  and  could  man- 
aae*'3  the  works  of  woman.”  The  goddess  spoke,  but  her 

I  read  0(\'  ainveg,  with  La  Fontaine. 

See  Ruhnken. 

''  Hermann  says  there  is  a  lacuna  :  “  nam  ipsos  nautos  dixisset  navem 
reliquisse  antequam  cibuni  caperent,  ut  Od.  ix.  85  ;  x.  5G  ;  xv.  498.” 

This  seems  to  be  the  sense  of  aTrpiuTriv. 

But  I  am  strongly  prepossessed  in  fiivor  of  the  elegant  emendation 
of  Voss,  tpya  didacrKpcraifxi. 


416  HYMNS.  [145—177. 

the  untouched  virgin  Callidice,  most  beauteous  in  form  of  the 
daughters  of  Celeus,  fortliwith  answered  : 

"‘O  nurse,  we  mortals  must  needs  endure  the  lot  given'^ 
us  by  the  gods,  although  grieving,  for  they  indeed  are  much 
more  powerful  [than  we].  Hut  this  will  I  clearly  suggest  to 
thee,  and  will  name  the  men  to  whom  there  is  here  great 
power  of  dignity,  and  who  take  the  lead  among  the  people, 
and  by  counsels  and  upi;ight  judgments  guard  the  battlements 
of  the  city.  There  is  shrewd-counseling  Triptolemus,'^  and 
Diodes,  and  Polyxeines,  and  blameless  Eumolpus,  and  Doli- 
chus,  and  our  noble  sire,  all  whose  wives  tend  their  houses ; 
not  one  of  whom  at  first  sight  despising  thy  jippearance,  would 
dismiss  thee  from  her  dwellings,  but  they  will  receive  thee, 
for  truly  thou  art  godlike.  But  if  thou  wilt,  remain,  that  we 
may  go  to  the  abode  of  our  sire,  and  tell  all  these  matters 
thoroughly  to  our  deep-bosomed  mother  jMetaneira,  if  per¬ 
chance  she  will  bid  thee  come  to  our  dwelling  and  not  seek 
for  the  house  of  another.  And  a  darling  son  is  nurtured  by 
her  in  the  well-built  house,  a  subject  of  many  prayers,  and  be¬ 
loved.  If  thou  couldst  train  him  up,  and  he  should  reach  the 
measure  of  youth,  with  reason  indeed  would  any  one  of  the 
race  of  women,  seeing,  envy  thee  ;  such  great  rewards  for  thy 
nursing  would  he  give  thee.”  Thus  she  spoke,  but  [the  god¬ 
dess]  nodded  assent ;  and  they,  having  filled  the  vessels  with 
water,  bore  them  rejoicing.  And  quickly  they  reached  the 
great  house  of  their  sire,  and  soon  told  their  mother  what 
they  had  both  seen  and  heard.  But  she  immediately  bade 
them  go  and  call  her  with  [a  promise  of]  boundless  hire. 
And  they,  like  as  hinds  or  heifers  gambol  through  the  mead¬ 
ow  in  the  season  of  spring,  having  satiated  their  mind  with 
food,"^  so  they,  uplifting  the  folds  of  their  beauteous  robes,  sped 

SCjpa  Oewv  is  not  liere  used  in  a  pood  sense,  as  in  Plato,  Tim.  p. 
533 ;  D.  Liem.  Jamblich.  V.  P.  0.  p.  23 ;  Siinplic.  in  Epictet.  21).  p.  125  ; 
'riieodor.  Melit.  apnd  Fabric.  Bibl.  Gr.  t.  ix.  p.  199  ;  Sotadis  apnd  Stob. 
43,  p.  151,  49  ;  Athenag.  de  Kesurr.  p.  23.  It  rather  means  “qiiidquid 
divinitus  fit.” 

For  the  sake  of  avoiding  baldness,  I  have  turned  these  into  nomin¬ 
atives.  They  however  depend  upon  Kpdrog  rinpr,  “  taiKpiam  si  dixisset 
(jjv  tari  Kpdrog  tpQdde  rtyuj/c.”  llerm. 

Hermann  compares  Lueret.  i.  259, — “hinc  nova  j)roles  Artibus 
infirmis  teneras  lasciva  i)er  herbas  Ludit,  lacte  mero  mentes  percussa 
novellas.” 


177—217.] 


XXXII.  TO  CERES. 


417 


along  the  wagon -furrowed  way,  and  about  their  shoulders  their 
curls,  like  unto  the  crocus  flower,  sported.  And  near  the 
way  they  found  tlie  renowned  goddess,  where  they  had  left 
her  before.  But  then  they  led  her  to  the  dwelling  of  their 
sire,  and  she,  sorrowing  at  heart,  followed  behind  them,  with 
her  head  vailed,  and  the  dark  robe  shook  loosely  around  the 
tender  feet  of  the  goddess.  And  quickly  they  reached  the 
house  of  Jove-nurtured  Celeus,  and  went  through  the  portico, 
where  their  hallowed  mother  awaited  them  by  the  lintel  of  the 
well-built  tenement,  having  her  son,  a  young  otf-shoot,  at  her 
bosom.  But  they  ran  up  to  her,  and  she  came  to  the  threshold 
on  her  feet,  and  truly  she  reached  the  top  of  the  dwelling, 
and  tilled  the  doors  with  divine  light.  But  admiration,  and 
wonder,  and  pallid  fear  possessed  her,  and  she  yielded  up  her 
seat,  and  bade  her  be  seated.  But  season-bearing  Ceres,  of 
glorious  gifts,  was  not  willing  to  be  seated  on  the  shining  seat, 
but  she  remained  silent,  casting  down  her  beauteous  eyes, 
until  at  length  lambe,  knowing  prudent  things,  offered  her  a 
compact  seat,  and  above  it  spread  a  silver-woven  fleece.  Here 
sitting  down,  she  stretched  fortli  her  vail  [over  her  face]  with 
her  hands,  and  for  a  long  time  sat  speechless,  grieving,  in  her 
seat,  nor  did  she  apply  herself  to  any  word  or  deed,  but  with¬ 
out  a  smile,  unfed  or  by  food  or  drink,  she  sat,  wasting  away 
with  longing  for  her  deep  -  bosomed  daughter;  until  that 
lambe,  knowing  prudent  things,  much  joking  her  with  ban- 
terings,  turned  the  hallowed,  holy  [goddess]  to  smile,  and  to 
laugh,  and  to  have  an  appeased  mind.  Here,  in  after-times 
also,  she  pleased  her  with  orgies.  And  to  her  Metaneira  gave 
a  cup  of  sweet  wine,  having  tilled  it ;  but  she  refused  it,  “  for,” 
said  she,  “it  was  not  lawful  for  her  to  drink  the  ruby  wine 
but  she  bade  her,  having  mixed  wheat  and  water  with  pound¬ 
ed  pennyroyal,  give  it  her  to  drink.  But  she,  having  made 
the  mixture,  gave  it  to  the  goddess,  as  she  commanded,  and 
adl-hallowed  Ceres,  having  received  it,  obtained'^  the  sacred 
honor.  But  to  them  well-girt  IMetaneira  began  discourse : 

“Hail!  lady,  since  I  deem  that  thou  art  not  from  mean 
])arents,  but  good  ones,  since  modesty  and  grace  are  con- 
S})icuous  in  thy  countenance,  like  as  [among  the  descendants] 
of  law-administering  kings.  But  we  men  must  needs  endure 
the  lot  given  by  the  gods,  although  giieving  ;  for  the  yoke  lies 

’’  I  read  ucrirjc  tirtfit],  witli  Voss. 


418 


HYMNS. 


[218—248. 


upon  our  neck.  And  now,  since  thou  hast  come  hither,  thine 
shall  be  whatever  is  mine.  But  cherish  for  me  this  boy,  whom 
born  late,  and  unhoped-for,  tlie  immortals  have  bestowed  [on 
us],  and  to  me  he  is  a  subject  of  many  prayers.  If  thou  wilt 
train  him  up,  and  he  reach  the  measure  of  youth,  with  rea¬ 
son  will  any  one  of  womankind,  seeing,  envy  thee,  such  great 
gifts  will  1'^  give  thee  for  his  nursing.”  But  her  in  turn 
well-crowned  Ceres  addressed  : 

“  And  thou  too,  lady,  all  hail !  and  may  the  gods  grant  thee 
good  things.  But  1  will  willingly  receive  thy  boy,  as  thou 
biddest  me,  to  nurture,'^  nor,  I  trust,  will  charms  harm  him, 
nor  [deadly]  plant,®®  through  the  carelessness  of  his  nurse. 
For  1  know  a  remedy  much  inore  efficacious  fthan  wood-cut 
ting, I  and  I  know  an  excellent  antidote  for  baleful  spells.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  she  received  him  in  her  fragrant 
bosom  and  immortal  hands,  and  his  mother  rejoiced  in  mind. 
Thus  she  indeed  trained  up  in  the  palace  Demophoon,  the 
glorious  son  of  prudent  Celeus,  whom  well-girt  Metaneira 
bore.  But  he  grew  up  like  unto  a  god,  neither  eating  food 
nor  sucking.®^  But  Ceres  anointed  him  with  ambrosia,  as 
tliough  sprung  from  a  god,  breathing  sweetly  upon  him,  and 
havinrj;  him  in  her  bosom.  But  at  ni^ht  she  concealed  him 
in  the  might  of  lire,  like  a  brand,  without  the  knowledge  of 
his  dear  parents.  But  to  them  he  was  a  great  marvel,  how 
bloomingly  he  sprang  up,  and  was  like  unto  the  gods  in  per¬ 
son.  And  truly  she  would  have  rendered  him  free  from  old 
age,  and  immortal,®-  unless  well-girt  IMetaneira,  in  her  folly, 
watching  by  night,  had  looked  out  from  her  perfumed  cham¬ 
ber,  and  shrieked,  and  smitten  both  her  thighs,  fearing  for 
her  son,  and  slie  was  greatly  disturbed  in  mind,  and  bewail¬ 
ing,  she  addressed  winged  words:  “My  child  Demophoon,  the 

Perhaps  Soit)  would  be  better.  But  see  Hermann. 

I  read  6ps\f/ai,  with  Herm.,  who  compares  Hesiod,  Theog.  479. 

1  can  make  nothing  of  ov^’  vTroTa/nyuv,  nor  can  Kubnken.  I  have 
followed  Liddell’s  interpretation,  “plant  cut  olf  at  the  root  for  magical 
purj)oses,”  but  am  by  no  means  satisfied. 

See  Hermann. 

Apollodorus,  i.  5,  says  that  he  actually  j)crished  in  the  fire.  “The 
same  story  is  told  in  regard  to  the  infant  Acliilles.  His  mother  Thetis 
was  taking  similar  measures  to  render  him  immortal,  when  his  father 
Peleus  interfered  and  prevented  the  consummation.  Thetis  immediate' 
ly  left  him  in  great  wratli  (Apollon.  Khod.  iv.  86G).”  Grote,  p.  53. 


248—284.] 


XXXII.  TO  CERES. 


419 


strange  woman  is  concealing  thee  in  a  great  fire,  but  to  me 
she  causes  groans  and  grievous  sorrows.”  Thus  she  spoke, 
weeping,  and  the  divine  one  of  goddesses  heard  her.  But 
fair-crowned  Ceres,  enraged  with  her,  put  from  her  to  the 
ground  with  her  immortal  hands  the  dear  son,  whom,  un¬ 
hoped-for,  she  had  brought  forth  in  the  palace,  having  taken 
him  out  of  the  fire,  being  very  wrathful  in  mind,  and  at  the 
same  time  she  addressed  well-girt  Metancira : 

“  Ignorant  and  unwise  men,  who  neither  foresee  the  desti¬ 
ny  of  coming  good  nor  evil !  And  thou,  too,  by  thy  folly  hast 
erred  most  greatly.  For  let  the  pledge  of  the  gods  bear  wit¬ 
ness,  the  water  of  the  Styx  that  yields  no  forgiveness,  I  would 
have,  made  thy  dear  son  immortal  and  free  from  age  for 
all  days,  and  would  have  afforded  him  unperishing  honor. 
But  now  it  is  not  possible  for  him  to  escape  death  and  the 
Fates ;  but  unperishing  honor  shall  always  be  his,  because  he 
has  sat  upon  my  knees,  and  slept  in  mine  arms.  But  when 
he  is  of  age,  in  revolving  3"ears,  the  sons  of  the  Eleusinians 
will  ever  throughout  all  days  stir  up®^  battle  and  grievous 
conflict  among  each  other.  But  I  am  honored  Ceres,  who 
is  the  greatest  benefit  and  joy  to  immortals  and  mortals.  But 
come,  let  all  the  people  build  for  mo  a  great  temple,  and  un¬ 
der  it  an  altar,  below  the  city  and  the  lofty  wall,  above  Cal- 
lichorus,  upon  the  jutting  hill.  But  I  myself  will  teach  my 
orgies,  so  that  hereafter,  performing  them  holily,  ye  may  ap¬ 
pease  my  mind.” 

Thus  having  spoken,  the  goddess  changed  her  magnitude 
and  mien,  having  put  off  old  age,  and  beauty  was  breathed 
around  her,  and  a  pleasant  odor  was  scattered  from  her  scent¬ 
ed  robe.s,®^  and  far  gleamed  the  light  from  the  immortal  flesh 
of  the  goddess,  and  her  yellow  curls  flourislfed  on  her  shoul¬ 
ders,  and  the  close  dwelling  was  filled  with  the  sheen,  as  of 
lightning.  And  she  went  out  from  the  palace.  But  straight¬ 
way  the  knees  [of  Metaneira]  were  relaxed,  and  for  a  long¬ 
time  she  became  speechless,  nor  did  she  at  all  bethink  her 
of  her  darling  son,  to  take  liim  up  from  the  ground.  But 
his  sisters  heard  his  piteous  voice,  and  they  leaped  up  from 
their  well-spread  couches.  One  then,  taking  up  the  boy  in 

”  Hermann  reads  ewd^ova,  and  places  a  mark  of  lacuna  after  this 
verse. 

Cf.  Virg.  ^n.  i.  40G,  sqq. 


420 


HYMNS. 


[285— 32C. 


her  hands,  placed  him  in  her  bosom,  but  another  kindled  the 
lire,  and  another  ran  with  her  tender  feet  to  raise  up  her 
mother  from  the  fragrant  chamber.  And  gathering  around 
him,  they  washed  him,  tending  him  yet  panting,  but  his  mind 
was  not  comforted,  for  inferior  nurses  and  attendants  now 
possessed  him.  They  indeed,  trembling  with  fear,  kept  ap¬ 
peasing  the  renowned  goddess  throughout  the  night,  but  tO' 
gether  with  the  dawn  appearing  they  told  truly  to  Celeus  of 
wide  power,  how  the  goddess,  fair-crowned  Ceres,  had  com¬ 
manded.  But  he,  having  summoned  the  numerous  people  into 
council,  ordered  them  to  erect  a  rich  temple  to  fair-hah'ed  Ce¬ 
res,  and  an  altar,  upon  the  jutting  hill.  But  they  immediate¬ 
ly  obeyed,  and  hearkened  to  him  speaking,  and  they  built,  as 
he  commanded  ;  but  he^^  kept  increasing  by  the  will  of  the 
deity.  But  when  they  had  finished,  and  rested  from  their  toil, 
they  went  each  one  homeward.  ]^ut  yellow-haired  Ceres,  sit¬ 
ting  down  here,  far  apart  from  all  the  blessed  gods,  remained, 
wasting  away  with  longing  for  her  deep-bosomed  daughter. 
And  she  rendered  that  year  a  most  grievous  and  cruel  one  for 
men  upon  the  many-nurturing  earth,  nor  did  the  earth  give 
forth  any  seed,  for  well-crowned  Ceres  concealed  it.  And 
the  steers  dragged  many  bent  plows  over  the  fields  to  no 
purpose,  and  much  white  barley  fell  upon  the  earth  in  vain. 
And  she  indeed  would  have  destroyed  the  whole  race  of  ar¬ 
ticulate-voiced  men  by  grievous  famine,  and  would  have  de¬ 
prived  those  possessing  the  Olympian  dwellings  of  the  glorious 
honor  of  gifts  and  sacrifices,  had  not  Jove  perceived,  and  taken 
counsel  in  his  mind.  And  he  first  sent  golden-pinioned  Iris 
to  call  fair-haired  Ceres,  possessing  a  most  lovely  appearance. 
Thus  he  spake  ;  but  she  obeyed  dark-clouded  Jove,  the  son 
of  Saturn,  and  swiftly  ran  through  the  midway  with  her  feet. 
And  she  reached  the  city  of  incense-fraught  Eleusis,  and  found 
dark-robed  Ceres  in  the  temple,  and  having  addressed  her, 
spoke  winged  words : 

“  O  Ceres,  thy  father  Jove,  knowing  imperishable  [coun¬ 
sels],  calls  thee  to  come  to  the  tribes  of  the  gods  who  are  for¬ 
ever.  But  come,  nor  let  my  message  from  Jove  be  unaccom¬ 
plished.  Thus  she  spoke  ;  but  her  mind  was  not  persuaded. 
Again  then  [Jove]  sent  on  all  the  blessed  ever-existing  gods. 
And  they,  coining  one  after  another,  called  her,  and  gave 

The  son  of  Celeus. 


327—361.] 


XXXIL  TO  CERES. 


421 


many  beauteous  gifts  and  honors,  whatever  she  wished  to 
choose  among  the  immortals.  But  no  one  was  able  to  per¬ 
suade  her  mind  and  inclination,  wrathful  in  mind ;  but  she 
obstinately  rejected  their  discourse.  “For  never,”  said  she, 
“  would  she  step  upon  incense-fraught  Olympus,  nor  let  forth 
the  fruit  of  the  earth,  before  she  should  behold  her  fair-faced 
daughter  with  her  eyes.”  But  when  heavy-thundering,  far- 
seeing  Jove  heard  this,  he  sent  the  golden-wanded  slayer  of 
Argus  down  into  Erebus,  in  order  that,  having  beguiled  Hades 
by  soft  words,  he  might  lead  away  chaste  Proserpine  from  the 
murky  darkness  to  the  gods,  that  her  mother,  having  beheld 
her,  might  cease  from  her  wrath.  But  Mercury  was  not  dis¬ 
obedient,  but  straightway  sped  briskly  beneath  the  earth,  hav¬ 
ing  left  the  dwelling  of  Olympus.  And  he  found  the  king 
within  his  abode,  sitting  on  a  couch  with  his  chaste  spouse, 
who  was  grieving  much  through  longing  for  her  mother ;  but 
she,  on  account  of  the  shameful  deeds  of  the  gods,  devised  a 
destructive  counsel.®® 

Then  the  bold  slayer  of  Argus,  standing  near,  addressed 
him :  “  Dark-haired  Hades,  who  rulest  over  the  dead,  the 
sire,  Jove,  bids  thee  lead  forth  noble  Proserpine  from  Erebus 
to  their®^  company,  that  her  mother,  having  beheld  her,  may 
cease®®  from  her  wrath  and  bitter  ano-er  against  the  immor- 

O  D 

tals ;  since  she  devises  a  dreadful  deed,  to  destroy  the  weak¬ 
ly  tribes  of  earth-born  men,  concealing  the  seed  beneath  the 
ground,  and  wasting  away  the  honors  of  the  immortals.  But 
she  cherishes  grievous  wrath,  and  does  not  associate  with  the 
gods,  but  sits  afar  off  within  her  incen.se-fraught  temple,  pos¬ 
sessing  the  rocky  city  of  Eleusis.”  Thus  he  spoke,  but  Pluto, 
king  of  the  dead,  smiled  from  beneath  his  eyebrows,  and  did 
not  disobey  the  behe.st  of  king  Jove.  And  quickly  he  bade 
prudent  Proserpine  [thus] :  “  Go,  Proserpine,  to  thy  dark- 
robed  mother,  having  a  mild  spirit  and  disposition  in  thy 

i.  e.  in  withholding  the  fruits  of  the  earth.  I  have  adopted  Her¬ 
mann’s  emendation,  i)  d’  tir  aXdaToiQ  “Epyotertv  [xaKdpuiv  6Xo?)v  /jtjritTo 
fSovXrjv.  lie  compares  Ilesych.  aXuara'  drXijTa.  In  a  copy  of  Ruhn- 
ken’s  edition  in  the  Britisli  Museum,  the  late  Charles  Burnev  hai^  con- 
jectured,  y)  y’  tTrl  tpyoig  ArXpToicn  Otwu  TrvKivpv  i^p.  (iovXriv. 

i.  e.  to  the  assembly  of  the  other  ^^ods. 

Read  Xp^euv,  with  Hermann,  and  Burney  in  note  MS. 


422 


HYMNS. 


[362—398. 


breast,  nor  do  thou  give  way  to  sadness  excessively  beyond 
others :  In  no  wise  sliall  I  be  an  unseemly  consort  among 
tlie  immortals,  [being]  own  brother  of  sire  Jove.  Coming 
hither,  thou  shalt  be  mistress  of  all  beings,  as  many  as  live 
and  walk,  and  thou  shalt  ever  possess®^  the  greatest  honors 
among  the  immortals.  And  there  shall  for  all  days  be  judg¬ 
ment  upon  those  who  have  done  injury,  who  do  not  appease 
thy  power  with  sacrifices,  piously  performing  them,  ofiering 
suitable  gifts.”^*^ 

Thus  he  spoke,  but  prudent  Proserpine  rejoiced,  and  quick¬ 
ly  leaped  forth  through  joy.  But  he  had  privily  given  her 
the  sweet  grain  of  a  pomegranate  to  eat,  offering  it  her  in  pri¬ 
vate, that  she  might  not  remain  all  days  above  with  hallowed 
Ceres,  of  dark  robes.  And  Pluto,  who  rules  over  many,  yoked 
his  steeds  in  front  beneath  the  golden  chariot,  and  she  mount¬ 
ed  the  chariot,  and  by  her  the  strong  slayer  of  Argus,  seizing 
the  bridles  and  scourge  in  his  hands,  drove  [the  steeds]  straight 
out  from  the  abodes,  and  they  twain  flew  along  not  unwill¬ 
ingly.  And  swiftly  they  passed  o’er  the  long  tracks,  nor  did 
the  sea,  nor  the  water  of  rivers,  nor  the  grassy  valleys,  nor 
the  heights,  restrain  the  rush  of  the  immortal  steeds,  but 
they  cut  through  the  deep  darkness  above  them,^^ 
went.  And  he  stopped  driving  them,  where  well-crowned 
Ceres  stood,  before  the  incense-fraught  temple.  But  she,  per¬ 
ceiving,  leaped  forward,  like  a  nicenad  on  the  shaded  mount¬ 
ain  of  a  wood.®®  *  *  *  *  * 

*  *  *  *  ^  * 

“  And  thou  shalt  dwell  with  me  and  thy  sire,  the  dark -cloud¬ 

ed  son  of  Saturn,  honored  by  all  the  immortals.  But  if  thou 
hast  tasted®^  [aught],  again  going  beneath  the  hiding-places 

Hermann  reads  rifiag  S’  aitv  txnoBa,  observing,  “si  genuina  est 
codicis  scriptura  (i.  c.  Tiiiaq  Se  axijai]aQa),  exemplum  habemus  futuri 
conjunctivi,  contra  grammaticorum  sententiam.” 

Read  avry,  with  Voss. 

I  have  done  my  best  with  Hermann’s  correction,  a^cplQ  vtt)fiT](TaQ, 
but  am  by  no  means  satisfied. 

Burney,  in  note  MS.,  would  read  avpdojv  for  avTciojv. 

Here  the  MS.  is  mutilated  :  the  meeting  of  the  mother  and  daugh¬ 
ter,  and  the  inquiries  of  the  former,  whether  Proserpine,  by  eating  any 
thing,  had  rendered  herself  subject  to  the  dominion  of  the  shades,  form¬ 
ed  tlie  missing  portion. 

Read  d  S'  traVw,  with  Wyttenb.,  Ruhnk.,  Hcrm. 


399—428.] 


XXXU.  TO  CERES. 


423 


of  the  earth,  thou  wilt  dwell  the  third  part  of  the  year^^ 

*  *  ,  but  tlie  [other]  two  with  me  and  the  other  immortals. 
But  when  the  earth  flourishes  with  all  kinds  of  sweet-scented 
spring  flowers,^®  then  again  shalt  thou  return  back  Com  the 
murky  darkness,  a  mighty  marvel  to  gods  and  mortal  men.'-^^ 

*  *  *  *  And  by  what  stratagem  did  the  strong  Many- 

receiver  beguile  thee?”  But  her  beauteous  Proserpine  ad¬ 
dressed  in  turn:  “Therefore  will’ I  tell  thee  all  things  truly, 
mother.  When  beneficial  Mercury,  the  swift  messenger, 
came  from  the  Saturnian  sire  and  the  other  gods,  then  he  led^® 
me  out  from  Erebus,  that  thou,  having  beheld  me  with  thine 
eyes,  mightest  cease  from  thy  wrath  and  grievous  anger 
against  the  immortals,  but  I  leaped  forth  for  joy.  But  [my 
husband]  privily  threw  to  me  the  grain  of  a  pomegranate, 
pleasant  to  eat,  and  compelled  me  perforce,  against  my  will,  to 
taste  it.^^  But  how,  having  snatched  me  away  through  the 
cunning  device  of  my  sire,  the  son  of  Saturn,  he  went  bearing 
me  beneath  the  hiding-places  of  the  earth,  I  will  speak  out, 
and  detail  all  things,  as  thou  askest.  We  indeed  were  ail 
at  play  in  the  pleasant  meadow,  Leucippe,  and  Phoeno,  and 
Electra,  and  lanthe,  and  Melite,  and  lacche,  and  Rhoea,  and 
Callirrhoe,  and  Melobate,  and  Tyche,  and  rosy  Ocyrrhoe,  and 
Chryseis,  and  laneira,  and  Acaste,  and  Admcta,  and  Rhodope, 
and  Pluto, and  lovely  Calypso,  and  Styx,  and  Urania,  and 
lovely  Galaxyre,  and  battle-rousing  Pallas,  and  arrow-rejoicing 
Diana,  and  were  plucking  the  pleasant  flowers  with  our  hands, 
the  beauteous  crocus,^  and  the  iris,  and  liyacintK  and  the  rose¬ 
buds,  and  the  lilies,  a  marvel  to  behold,  and  tlie  narcissus, 
which,  like  the  crocus,^  the  wide  earth  produced.  But  I  was 

For  conjectures  as  to  the  supplying  of  this  line,  sec  Ruhnken  and 
Hermann. 

I  prefer  elapoc  lopy,  with  La  Fontaine. 

Here  there  is  evidently  a  lacuna,  as  Ruhnken  observes,  to  whom 
Ttpi  a  k^aTranim  is  due. 

Read  j/ye  p,’  ’EptlStvr,  'iva  //',  with  Ilerm. 

But  see  Hermann. 

A  nymph,  not  Hades. 

*  Read  piySa  KpoKov  t  ayavov,  with  Voss. 

^  This  is  very  tame.  Hermann  reads  wairtp  koviv,  “abundant  as  the 
dust,”  comparing  II.  ix.  385,  ov6’  ft  yot  rocra  Soh],  uaa  \papa9og  n  kovlz 
Ts.  Burney,  in  note  MS.,  proposes  ov  t^vaev  ivxpoov. 


424 


HYMNS. 


[429—470. 


plucking  them  with  joy,  when  the  earth  yawned  beneath  and 
out  leaped  the  strong  king,  the  Many-receiver,  and  went  bear¬ 
ing  me  beneath  the  earth  in  his  golden  chariot,  grieving  much, 
and  I  cried  aloud  with  my  voice.  These  things  have  I  told 
thee  all  truly,  although  grieving.” 

Thus  then  indeed  they,  having  a  concordant  mind,  mutually 
fondling  each  other,  greatly  appeased  the  heart  and  mind  of 
each  other,  and  the  mind  [’of  both]  was  rested  from  sorrows. 
And  they  received  and  gave  delights^  mutually.  But  near  to 
them  came  delicately-vailed  Idecate,  and  much  she  fondled  the 
chaste  daughter  of  Ceres,  because  the  queen  had  been  her  at¬ 
tendant  and  servant.^  But  to  them  loud-thundering,  far-see¬ 
ing  Jove  sent  a  messenger,  fair-haired  Rhea,  to  bring  dark- 
robed  Ceres  to  the  tribes  of  the  gods,  and  he  pledged  himself 
to  give  her  honors,  whatever  she  might  choose  among  the  im¬ 
mortal  gods.  And  he  granted  to  her  that  her  daughter  should 
pass  the  third  part  of  the  revolving  year  under  the  murky 
darkness,  but  the  two  [other  parts]  with  her  mother  and  the 
otlier  immortals.  Thus  he  spake,  nor  did  the  goddess  disobey 
the  message  of  Jove,  but  she  quickly  sprang  forth  from  the 
heights  of  Olympus,  and  she  came  to  the  Rarian®  [plain], 
heretofore  the  life-bearing  uclder  of  corn-land,  but  then  no 
longer  atfording  sustenance,  but  it  remained  idle  and  leafless, 
and  concealed  the  white  barley,  by  the  contrivance  of  fair- 
ankled  Ceres;  but  it  was  then  destined  forthwith  to  bloom 
with  long  ears,  as  the  spring  advanced,  and  the  rich  furrows® 
to  abound  in  ears,  and  there  to  be  bound  in  bundles.  Here 
she  first  descended  from  the  unfruitful  air.  But  gladly  they 
beheld  each  other,  and  rejoiced  in  mind ;  and  her  fair-vailed 
Rhea  first  addressed:  “Hither  child,  loud- thundering,  far- 
seeing  Jove  calls  thee  to  come  to  the  tribes  of  the  gods,  and 
he  has  pledged  himself  to  give  thee  honor,  whatsoever  thou 
mayest  choose  among  the  immortal  gods.  And  he  has  con¬ 
sented  that  thy  daughter  [shall  pass]  the  third  part  of  the 


^  Read  yrjOocrvvag — tdiSov  t(,  with  Rulinken. 

^  I  scarcely  understand  tliis  line. 

^  It  is  im])ortant  for  the  student  to  remember  that  ’Pd|0<oc  is  the  only 
Greek  word  beginning  with  p,  that  is  not  aspirated.  See  Schol.  Venet. 
on  II.  i.  50. 

®  Hermann  says  that  oy/ioi  is  “de  segete  demessa  intelligendum.” 


470—500.] 


XXXII.  TO  CERES. 


425 


revolving  year  beneath  the  murky  darkness,  but  the  [other] 
two  with  thee  and  the  other  immortals,^  ^  ^  come, 
child,  and  obey,  nor  be  thou  too  immoderately  wrathful  against 
the  dark-clouded  son  of  Saturn.  And  straightway  increase 
the  life-bearing  fruit  for  men.” 

Thus  she  spoke,  nor  did  well-crowned  Ceres  disobey  ;  but 
slie  straightway  sent  forth  the  fruit  from  the  rich-soiled  fields. 
And  all  the  wide  earth  was  weighed  down  with  leaves  and 
flowers;  and  she  went  to  the  law-administering  kings,  Trip- 
tolemus,  and  horse-goading  Diodes,  and  the  might  of  Eumol- 
pus,  and  Celeus,  leader  of  the  people,  and  showed®  [them] 
the  performance  of  her  sacred  rites,  and  she  appointed  her 
hallowed  orgies  for  all,  for  Triptolemus,  and  Polyxenius,  and 
moreover,  Diodes,  wliich  it  is  in  no  wise  lawful  either  to  neg¬ 
lect,  or  to  inquire  into,  or  mention,  for  a  mighty  reverence 
of  tlie  gods  restrains  the  voice.  Blest  is  he  of  mortal  men 
who  has  behold  these,  for  he  who  is  initiated,  and  he  who 
partakes  not^®  in  these  rites,  have  by  no  means  the  same  for¬ 
tune,  although  dead,  beneath  the  murky  darkness.  But  when 
the  divine  one  of  goddesses  had  suggested  all,  they  set  out  to 
go  to  Olympus,  to  the  assembly  of  the  other  gods.  And  here 
ihey  dwell  by  thunder-rejoicing  Jove,  both  venerable  and  re¬ 
vered.  Greatly  blessed  is  he,  whomsoever  of  mortal  men, 
they  love  with  a  kindly  mind,  and  straightway  they  sent  to 
the  hearth  of  his  noble  dwelling  Plutus,  who  affords  riches  to 
mortal  men. 

But  come,^^  ye  wlio  possess  the  state  of  incense-fraught 
Eleusis,  and  sea-girt  Paros,  and  rocky  Antron,  hallowed,  the 
giver  of  glorious  gifts,  bearer  of  seasons,  queen  Ceres,  thyself, 
and  thy  all-beauteous  daughter  Proserpine,  willingly  grant 
me  a  pleasant  life  for  my  song.  But  I  will  be  mindful  of 
thee  and  of  another  song. 

’  I  follow  Hermann’s  supplement  from  vs.  447.  The  next  fragments 
of  lines  are  a  mistaken  interpolation  from  448-450,  as  tlic  same  scholar 
observes.  But  sec  his  wliole  note. 

•  Read  dttKtv  for  tlire,  from  Pausanias,  Corinth.  14.  See  Ruhnken. 

®  I  read  ovts  with  Hgcn,  and  Burney,  note  MS.,  and  d'yoc, 

with  Valckenaer. 

I  read  og  5'  driXiig  Upiop,  og  t  ippopog,  “  dispar  conditio  initiatorum 
est  et  non  initiatorum,”  with  Ilerinami. 

“  R«ad  dXX’  ay',  with  Ruhnken. 


426 


HYMNS. 


FRAGMENT  OF  THE  HYMN  TO  BACCHUSJ2 

“  And  they  shall  raise  up  many  images  to  him  in  temples, 
and  as^2  men  thrice  always  offer  to  thee  perfect  hecatombs  at 
three-year  periods.”  The  son  of  Saturn  spoke, and  nodded 
with  his  dark-blue  brows,  and  the  ambrosial  curls  shook  down 
from  the  immortal  head  of  the  king,  and  he  made  great  Olym¬ 
pus  tremble.  Thus  speaking,  counseling  Jove  nodded^^  with 
his  head.  Be  propitious,  O  thou  sewn  [formerly  in  the  thigh 
of  Jove],^*^  woman-mad.  But  we  bards  sing  thee  both  com¬ 
mencing  and  ending,^"  nor  is  it  possible  to  be  mindful  of  sa¬ 
cred  song,  forgetting  thee.  And  do  thou  thus  hail,  O  thigh- 
sewn  Bacchus,  with  thy  mother  Semele,  whom  they  call  Thy- 
one. 

This  is  apparently  a  cento  made  np  from  different  passages,  but  ic 
partly  preserved  by  Diodorus  Siculus.  See  Ruhnken’s  note. 

I  can  not  understand  this  line. 

These  three  lines  are  from  II.  i.  528,  sqq. 

Read  t7rsvtv(js,  with  Ruhnken. 

Cf.  Rorphyr.  de  Abst.  iii.  p.  287,  and  Hesych.  t.  i.  p.  1112. 

”  See  Ruhnken. 


EPIGRAMS.* 


I.  TO  THE  CUMJEANS. 

Respect  one  who  is  in  want  of  hospitable  gifts  and  a  home, 
ye  who  inhabit  the  lofty  city  Cyme,  beauteous  maid,^  the  ex-  * 
treme  foot  of  high-foliaged  Sardene,  drinking  the  ambrosial 
water  of  the  divine  river  of  eddying  Hermus,  whom  immortal 
Jove  begat. 


11.  ON  RETURNING  TO  CUMA. 

Swiftly  may  my  feet  bear  me  to  the  city  of  merciful  men, 
for  their  mind  is  willing  and  their  prudence  excellent. 


III.  ON  MIDE.3 

I  AM  a  brazen  virgin,  and  am  placed  upon  the  sepulchre  of 
Midas.  And  as  long  as  water  flows,  and  the  lofty  trees 
flourish,  and  the  rising  sun  gives  light,  and  the  shining  moon, 
fand  the  rivers  overflow,  and  the  sea  inundates, remaining 
here  upon  the  mournful  tomb,  I  will  inform  the  passers-by, 
that  Midas  is  buried  here. 

'  “Under  the  title  of  Epigrams  are  classed  a  fetv  verses  on  different 
subjects,  chiedy  addressed  to  cities  or  private  individuals.”  Coleridge, 
p.  317.  Mr.  Justice  Talfourd  rightly  observes  that  the  authenticity  of 
these  Fragments  depends  upon  that  of  the  pseud-Herodotean  life  of  Ho¬ 
mer,  from  which  they  are  taken.  (See  Lit.  of  Greece,  p.  38,  in  the  En- 
cycl.  Metropol.)  If  so,  their  authenticity  is  as  doubtful  as  their  poetical 
value.  I  shall  enter  but  little  into  the  hopeless  obscurity  and  corruption 
of  some  of  them,  as  there  is  little  to  repay  the  trouble. 

*  From  whom  the  city  took  its  name.  ^  See  Barnes. 

*  This  line  may  lx?  well  dispensed  with,  and  is  wanting  in  some  copies. 


428 


EPIGRAMS. 


[iv. — VI. 


IV.  HE  LAMENTS  HIS  BLINDNESS  TO  THE 

cuma^:ans. 

To  what  a  fate  did  the  father  Jove  give  me  to  become  a 
sport,  when  he  nurtured  me  an  infant  upon  the  knees  of  my 
revered  mother !  [The  city^’  which  the  people  of  Pliricon 
once  fortified  at  the  advice  of  Aigis-bearing  Jove,  the  valiant 
mounters  of  swift  steeds,  contending  in  the  contest  of  savage 
fire,  AColian  Smyrna,  neighboring  on  the  sea,  lashed  by  the 
waves,®  and  through  which  the  clear  water  of  sacred  Melos 
passes — hence  setting  out,  the  daughters  of  Jove,  glorious 
children,  wished  to  celebrate  the  divine  earth  and  city  of  men. 
But  they  rejected  the  divine  voice,  the  song,  I  say,  through 
folly.  Of  whom  some  one  having  liad  experience,’'  will,  here¬ 
after,  bethink  him,  because  he  has  brought  a  rebuke  forever 
upon  them  through  my  fate.®  fBut  I  will  endure  the  fate, 
which  the  god  gave  to  me  at  my  birth,  bearing  *  *  with 
resolute  mind.  Nor  do  my  limbs  desire  to  remain  in  the  sa¬ 
cred  streets  of  Cuma3,  but  my  mighty  mind  urges  me,  al¬ 
though  weak,  to  go  to  another  people. 


V.  BEGINNING  OF  THE  LITTLE  ILIAD. 

I  STNG  Ilium  and  Dardania  renowned  for  steeds,  on  account 
of  which  the  Greeks,  the  servants  of  Mars,  suffered  much. 


VI.  TO  THE  SON  OF  THESTOB. 

Son  of  Thestor,  although  there  are  many  things  obscure  to 

®  There  is  an  awkward  hyperbaton.  The  construction  must  be  taken 
as  if  it  were  ttoXiq  iariv  i)v  tzot . tvQtv,  k.  t.  X. 

®  I  read  TrovrorivaKTOv,  Avith  Pearson. 

''  I  read  d(t)padi7j,  witli  Ilgen,  and  u  a(piv  dvticog  taaitv  tpcv  cla  pyctaTO 
xor/<oa^,  with  Hermann,  wlio  interi)rcts  it,  ‘'intelliget  se  ])0})ularibus  sui.s 
propter  nieam  sortem  ajternum  ])eperisse  opprobrium,  ”  taking  o  for  ’6ti. 

“  i.  e.  through  liis  neglect  of  me. 

•  The  word  diepdavTa  is  unintelligible : 

“The  fate  which  God  allotted  at  my  birth, 

XVith  patient  heart  will  I  endure  on  earth.”  Coleridge. 


VII.— X.J 


EPIGRAMS. 


429 


mortals,  yet  nothing  is  more  obscure  to  men  than  [their  own] 
mind. 


VII.  TO  NEPTUNE. 

Heak,  O  Neptune,  of  mighty  strength,  Earth-Shaker,  rul¬ 
ing  over  wide  and  yellow^^  Helicon,  and  grant  a  favorable 
breeze,  and  to  obtain  a  safe  journey,  to  the  sailors,  who  are 
the  guides  and  pilots  of  the  ship.  And  grant  that  I,  coming 
to  the  foot  of  lofty-cragged  Mimas,  may  meet  with  merciful 
and  holy  mortals. And  may  I  be  avenged  on  the  man,  who 
having  deceived  my  mind,  injured  hospitable  Jove  and  the 
guests’  table. 

VIIl.  TO  THE  CITY  EEYTHKAEA. 

Hallowed  earth,  giver  of  all,  giver  of  agreeable  wealth, 
how  fruitful  indeed  hast  thou  proved  to  some  men  !  but  to 
some,  with  whom  thou  wast  wrathful,  how  disagreeable  and 
hard  a  soil ! 


IX.  TO  SAILORS. 

Sea-traversing  sailors,  likc^^  unto  hateful  fate,  having  a 
life  that  unhappily  emulates  the  timid  coots,  reverence  the  dei¬ 
ty  of  hospitable  Jove  who  rules  on  high,  for  dreadful  is  the  aft¬ 
er-vengeance  of  hospitable  Jove  [upon]  whoever  offends.^^ 

X.  TO  A  PINE. 

Another  tree  sends  forth  better  fruit  than  thou,  O  Pine, 
on  the  heights  of  many-recessed,  wind-swept  Ida.  There  shall 

But  read  ^aOkov  divine,  witli  Hermann. 

*  aicoiiov — ucriujvTe.  Hermann. 

One  would  expect  some  other  word  like  “exj)osed  to,”  “oppressed 
by.”  But  perhaps  the  phrase  may  be  understood  from  dva’OjXov  in  the 
next  line. 

“  After  this  epigram,  Hermann  has  elieited  the  following  distich  from 
the  prose  of  the  Life  of  Homer : 

'Y/iisaij,  w  dvs/uoc  \cij3ev  dvriog  tXOwv, 

dX\’  tTTi  vvp  kcu  q  TrXoog  taaerai  v/jiiv. 


430  EPIGRAMS.  [xi. — xin. 

tlie  sword  of  Mars  fall  upon  earthly  men,  when  the  Cebrio- 
nian  men  possess  it. 

XI.  TO  GLAUCUS. 

Glaucus,  overseer  of  herds,  what  word  shalP^  I  suggest  to 
thy  mind  ?  First  indeed  give  the  supper  to  tliy  dogs  before 
the  gates  of  the  hall ;  for  thus  it  is  better,  since  the  dog  first 
perceives  when  a  man  is  coming,  or  a  beast  entering  tlie  in- 
closure.^^ 


XII.  ON  THE  SAMIAN  PRIESTESS. 

Heau  me  praying,  O  Apollo, and  grant  that  this  woman 
may  reject  the  love  and  nuptials  of  the  youths,  but  let  her 
be  delighted  with  hoary-headed  sages,  whose  vigor  indeed  is 
blunted,  but  [whose]  mind  is  eager. 


XIII.  TO  THE  HOUSE  OF  THE  PHRATRIES. 

Children  indeed  are  the  glory  of  a  man,  but  fortifications, 
of  a  city  ;  and  houses  are  the  glory  of  the  plain,  but  ships,  of 
the  sea.  And  money  increases  a  house,  but  august  kings, 
when  they  sit  in  the  council,  are  a  glory  to  each  other’®  to 
behold.  But  a  house  is  much  more  honorable  to  liehold 
than  blazing  fire,  in  the  winter-time,  when  the  son  of  Saturn 
snows. 

Read  tiros  ri  roi  tv  (^pta'i  0t)<T(t),  with  Hermann. 

i.  e.  they  will  keep  off  all  comers. 

“  KovpoTp6(pos  Aj)ollo  dicebatur,  cui  adolescentes  capillos  primum 
attondebant.  ”  Lilius  Gyrald.  Syntagm.  7,  p.  222.  It  was  an  epithet 
of  several  of  the  gods.  Cf.  Spanh.  on  Callim.  in  Del.  2 ;  Alberti  on 
llesych.  t.  ii.  p.  334  ;  Lindenbrog.  on  Censorin.  de  Die  Nat.  §  1.  Chap 
man  has  utterly  mistaken  the  meaning. 

”  “Whose  powers  are  passing  coy  ;  whose  wills  would  fain.” 

Chapmaxx. 


I  prefer,  however,  Kocfiog  Xaoiaiv,  with  Rulmken. 


XIV.  XV.] 


EPIGRAMS. 


431 


XIV.  THE  FURNACE,  OR  THE  POT.i^ 

If  ye  will  give  payment,  I  will  sing,  O  potters.  Come 
hither,  Minerva,  and  uplift  thy  hand  in  defense  of  the  furnace. 
But  may  the  cups  blacken  well,^^  and  all  the  vessels  be  well 
baked,  and  fetch  a  good  price,  many  being  sold  in  the  mark¬ 
et-place,  and  many  in  the  streets,  and  may  they  gain  much, 
fbut  we  are  friendly  to  them-t'^^  But  if,  turning  to  shame¬ 
lessness,  ye  tell  falsehoods,^-^  I  will  then  call  together  the  de¬ 
stroyers  of  the  pot,  Syntrips,^'^  and  Smaragus,  and  Asbetus, 
and  Sabactes,  and  Omodamus,  who  bring  many  ills  upon  this 
art.  Destroy  the  furnace^ ^  and  the  dwelling,  and  let  the  whole 
furnace  be  thrown  into  confusion,  while  the  pots  shriek  loudly. 
As  the  horse’s  cheek  snorts,  so  may  the  furnace  snort,  making 
all  the  vessels  ashes  within  it.  Hither  also,  daughter  of  the 
Sun,  Circe  of  many  spells,  bring  cruel  drugs,  and  injure  them 
and  their  works.  And  hither  also  let  Chiron  lead  his  many 
centaurs,  both  those  who  escaped  the  hands  of  Hercules,  and 
who  perished.  Let  them  be  evilly  beaten  for  these  works, 
and  let  the  furnace  fall,  and  themselves  wailing  behold  the 
evil  deeds.  But  I  will  rejoice,  beholding  their  unhappy  art. 
But  whoever  shall  look  too  closely,  may  all  his  face  be 
scorched  with  fire,  that  all  may  learn  to  do  what  is  right. 


XV.  THE  OLIVE  BRANCH. 

AVe  approach  the  house  of  a  man  who  possesses  great  pow¬ 
er,  who  has  great  influence,  and  is  ever  very  hauglity  in  his 
wealth. Ye  gates,  open  of  yourselves,  for  much  wealth 
enters,  and  witli  wealth  also  flourishing  joy,  and  agreeable 
peace.  But  may  all  the  vessels,  as  many  as  there  are,  be 

The  poet  is  supposed  to  be  called  inbv  potters,  to  give  them  a  song. 

But  see  Ernesti. 

So  Ernesti.  I  can  make  nothing  cither  of  this  line,  or  of  the  con¬ 
jectures  upon  it. 

i.  e.  try  to  cheat  me  of  my  reward. 

These  names  might  characteristically  be  rendered,  “  Smashei*, 
Crasher,”  etc. 

I  read  TrvpaiOovanv.  See  Hermann. 

Brobably  a  sj)urious  line,  as  Ernesti  thinks. 


432 


•EPIGRAMS. 


[xvi.  XVII. 


full,  and  do  thou,  fire,  ever  approach  the  kneading-trough, 
that  there  may  be  a  barley  cake,  of  goodly  appearance, mixed 
with  sesame.  But  the  wife  of  your  son  shall  be  carried  in  a 
chariot,  and  stamping-footed  mules  shall  lead  her  to  this  dwell¬ 
ing.  But  may  she  herself,  seated  on  amber,  weave  a  web.  I 
will  return,  I  will  return  every  year,  like  a  swallow.  I  stand 
at  the  vestibule,  fand  if  thou  wilt  give  aught ;  but  if  not,  I 
will  not  stand  still,  for  w^e  have  not  come  to  live  here.l^? 


XVI.  TO  FISHERMEN. 

For  from  the  blood  of  such  fathers  are  ye  descended  [as 
are]  neither  rich  in  lands,  nor  feeding  countless  flocks. 


XVH.  MARGITES.28 

Many  things  he  knew,  but  ill  he  knew  them  all. 

Him  the  gods  had  made  neither  a  digger  nor  a  plow^man. 
nor  otherwise  wise  in  aught;  but  he  failed  in  every  art. 

See  Hermann’s  notes. 

This  epigram  is  so  hopelessly  corrupt,  that  I  can  only  refer  ihc 
reader  to  the  notes  of  Barnes  and  Ilcrmann. 

See  Coleridge,  p.  270,  sq. 


THE  ENDo 


T  . 


date  due 


rrn  !  ni  11'^ 

-ixB  1  Q-p 

MAR  '  $ 

1999 

*  no  In  1 9nniil 

- P^PtV-+ 

~  1 

- - - 

UNIVERSITY  PRODUCTS.  INU.  ff859-5503 


I 


BOSTON  COLLEGE 


3  903 


1239542  2 


I 


